Zorba: Dark side of Origin a killer for clubs

There is a dark side to State of Origin. The game’s showpiece series can be a killer for clubs as the Melbourne Storm will testify.

Kieran Foran in action against the Cowboys.

THERE is a dark side to State of Origin. The game’s showpiece series can be a killer for clubs as the Melbourne Storm will testify after Wednesday’s battle royale in Brisbane.

The Storm have lost their little general and playmaker Cooper Cronk with a broken arm and the club’s chances of making the finals has virtually gone.

Halfway through the season they are history. Clubs watch their highest paid stars play in Origin each year and can do nothing but hope they come through unscathed.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/northern-beaches/justin-horo-praises-contribution-of-sea-eagles-super-subs/story-fngr8iii-122693475

Manly had only two representatives in Origin One and both Daly Cherry Evans and Anthony Watmough are unlikely to be fit to back up against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow.

Daly Cherry-Evans after Wednesday’s game.

Manly only had two representatives in Origin One and like the Storm have been dealt a double cruel blow with Daly Cherry Evans suffering a hip injury which will sideline him for up to a month and Anthony Watmough has aggravated a bicep injury. Their cruel luck will greatly affect Manly’s chances tomorrow against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium

Players in Origin leave nothing in the tank and Wednesday’s match was one of the most energy sapping games in the past 10 years.

Coach Laurie Daley did an excellent job preparing the Blues and taking the team away to a training camp in Coffs Harbour was a master stroke. The defence by NSW in the second half was outstanding and a sure fire indication that some serious team bonding was achieved in camp.

Kieran Foran in action against the Cowboys.

PICK FORAN IN ORIGIN

KIERAN Foran would love to play Origin and the games administrators have a duty to dilute the rules to enable players like the Manly number six to be eligible.

Foran has elected to play for his country of birth New Zealand in international football and under the current rules is therefore ineligible to represent NSW.

It’s a crazy rule.

Foran played all his junior football with the Asquith club and the only time he has played in New Zealand is when he tours with Manly or when he represents the Kiwis. Why should players like Foran be penalised a heavy price simply by choosing to play for another country?

Surely Australia should be happy to see the game improve in other countries by virtue of having players of Foran ‘s ability representing them. Some day they may have only a handful of countries to play against.

With players now being paid five figure amounts for Origin games it can provide a near $150,000 mid season bonanza for a full series three match player.

The Sea Eagles have a good record at Suncorp Stadium.

GOOD RECORD

Manly take a six wins from the last seven games in Brisbane with them onto Suncorp Stadium tomorrow.

The Sea Eagles have pulled off some famous wins at the ground in the modern era. Many of those wins have been against the odds with under strength teams. Indications are they may have to dig deep again tomorrow to keep the run of success going.

It will set up a top of the table blockbuster at Brookvale Oval next Friday night against the Bulldogs if the maroon and whites win.