James Maloney decision at odds with Blues coach Laurie Daley's new selection mantra

THE NSW No.6 jumper has been a big talking point in the past couple of months.

Origin I teams

THE NSW No.6 jumper has been a big talking point in the past couple of months.

Soon after he was appointed, Laurie Daley made it clear that incumbency from the team which lost the series decider last year by a point would carry a lot of weight with him. But if the mail is right he may be going against that philosophy already, with James Maloney to be picked as Blues five-eighth.

Over time it has become apparent, reading what his media confidants were projecting for Origin selections, that he was rock solid on Mitchell Pearce retaining his halfback spot, while Todd Carney's grip has seemingly been weakened by injury despite his good recent form.

We tend to think in Queensland that the Blues selectors chop and change with their key position players according to losses by NSW and form surges by NRL candidates.

However, you feel they are starting to make a conscious effort for stability in the key positions, which has been Queensland's greatest strength through the streak.

That makes the decision to go with Maloney all the more puzzling. I have watched two of Cronulla's games in the past month and was impressed both times by what Carney produced. He is not running the ball as much as he has done in the past, but he is controlling games well.

Maloney's club halves combination with Pearce is one asset in the Rooster's claims to be blooded for NSW and it's been advanced that goal-kicking could tip the selection his way.

He has kicked 16 of 18 attempts in the NRL for an 88.9 per cent rate, while Carney has kicked sparingly for the Sharks this season.

I realise there was a field goal in last year's series but if you are picking an Origin side on the basis of winning on two-pointers you are missing another point entirely.

Origin matches can be in the balance up to six times a game, and the decisions made under pressure in those situations prove the difference. Carney had exposure to Origin, did a little too well for my liking in his first series and Maloney does not have that experience. But Maloney is impressing in a team that is travelling well.

I do have an element of concern that many of the Queensland players come from teams - Brisbane, Melbourne and North Queensland - who have not won as many games as they would've liked recently.

It takes away a little of our aura, even with seven series wins in a row. A lack of recent wins can get inside your head, but this Queensland side has played together so often that I am confident the right decisions will be made when it matters.

There has been and will continue to be a lot of speculation about Ben Te'o's place in the team if selected because of the claims made about him. Until there is a charge laid or the NRL's integrity unit reaches a conclusion this will be a big distraction to Queensland's preparation. Mal and the team will have to put a plan in place as to how they handle the situation because it will be talked about until the investigation comes to a close.

Origin I teams

DARREN LOCKYER: "I think the Queensland bench will be Corey Parker, Chris McQueen, Matt Gillett and Ben Te'o. No props - hear me out - and no backs.

That's two changes to the forwards I chose last month in this space. The injured Ben Hannant and Jacob Lillyman are out and McQueen, who looks ready for Origin on the basis of his form for the hottest team in the NRL, and Gillett are in.

My reasoning is that Sam Thaiday and Nate Myles can be rotated through the front-row, all the backrowers can come on and add some impact on the edges as the defence tires, and they could also play in the centres if there is a backline injury.

I think it's a good team to win in Sydney in a series opener. Daly Cherry-Evans or Ben Barba would be a consideration for the Game II bench."

CHRIS GARRY: "Greg Inglis is the game's best fullback and Queensland will be a superior team if he plays his natural position.

With a lighter and less experienced pack this year, the Maroons kick returns are vital and Inglis provides greater impact returning the ball than Billy Slater.

Ben Te'o is left out because his form and talent are not enough to counter the enormous distraction he will bring to the team."

TODD BALYM: "It's time Queensland blooded Ben Barba. He might not be in the same lightning form of 2012, but he will provide X-factor off the bench to trouble a tired Blues outfit.

Queensland's problem is too many backrowers, not enough props. Nate Myles or Sam Thaiday will need to play up front, but it's too risky to play both there.

Rooster Marty Kennedy and David Shillington would provide size in the front row while Bronco Matt Gillett offers utility cover and versatility among the back row rotation."

PETER BADEL: "The temptation is to pick Greg Inglis ahead of Billy Slater at fullback but doing so would distort the balance of a backline that has functioned smoothly with Inglis at left centre. Brent Tate's form for the Cowboys has been patchy but he was superb last year. Up front, the loss of Ben Hannant will test the Maroons' front-row rotation. David Shillington and Nate Myles have the size to fill the void and while Josh McGuire is raw, he would not be daunted by a debut.

Corey Parker's incredible work-rate is an asset off the bench and Matt Gillett will be better for his introduction last season. The final bench spot should go to Daly Cherry-Evans."