New South Wales are obviously approaching this year's State of Origin Series in reverse.
In Game One they blooded a team full of players that seemed set to appear in Origins for the next three or four seasons but by Game Two a couple of key members of that group were left out and now entering Game Three they've picked the kind of team that says 'it is a new series so let's pick on form (well allegedly)'. What a pity it won't make any difference as I fully expect Queensland to play out of their skins in Game Three - with or without their best side.
I truly have no idea what NSW are thinking...
There will be a Video Reaction to the NSW (& QLD who have their own issues with unavailability) side tomorrow and to say I will be unloading on the NSW Selectors and Coach Craig Bellamy for having no idea what they are doing in this series is an understatement.
Queensland's team is fairly predictable in the sense that although they will be without Petero Civoniceva, Israel Folau, Ben Hannant and Nate Myles, their replacements are logical substitutes. But admittedly they will go into Origin Three with a weaker team on paper.
QUEENSLAND HAVE WON THE SERIES 2-0 after a 28-18 win in Game One on June 4 & a 24-14 win in Game Two on June 24.
NSC's Video Reaction to Team Selections July 7, 2009
GAME THREE WILL BE PLAYED AT SUNCORP STADIUM JULY 15
QUEENSLAND MAROONS - GAME III 2009
Backs: B Slater, D Boyd, G Inglis, J Hodges, W Tonga, D Lockyer (c), J Thurston.
Forwards: S Price, C Smith, M Scott, A Harrison, S Thaiday, D Johnson.
Bench: K Hunt, N Costigan, D Shillington, M Crocker.
Extras: C Cronk.
VERSUS
NEW SOUTH WALES BLUES - GAME III 2009
Backs: K Gidley (c), J Hayne, M Jennings, J Morris, D Williams, T Barrett, B Kimmorley.
Forwards: J Perry, M Ennis, J Poore, T Waterhouse, B Creagh, A Watmough.
Bench: C Wing, T Learoyd-Lahrs, G Stewart, B White.
Extras: Hopefully about five or six players who can actually play football and can come into the squad by the weekend for the five or six players named - who cannot. The first casualty was Jamie Lyon replaced by Josh Morris.
ENJOY THE FOOTY!