NSW should retain Panthers halves Nathan Cleary and James Maloney for Origin I
Weeks ago I argued that NSW coach Brad Fittler should stick with his winning halves combination. And despite everything that’s happening at Penrith I haven’t changed my mind, writes ANTHONY GRIFFIN.
Penrith are running last and are hopelessly out of form.
This is the biggest stumbling block Nathan Cleary and Jimmy Maloney face in retaining their Origin jumpers.
Jimmy and Nathan have been guilty of trying too hard and overplaying their hand at times, in order to kick start the Panthers’ season.
Their kicking games have still been top quality and Maloney’s intent last week was obvious. They both look very frustrated which is understandable because they are both used to winning and set high standards for themselves.
Being picked in the Blues team will be like a breath of fresh air for the incumbent Blues halves.
A different environment but one they know well, especially Maloney, with a group of totally committed elite players around them.
The environment they thrived in last year to help deliver a stunning series win.
Knowing both players as I do, if NSW coach, Brad Fittler shows faith in them they will deliver for him and their state.
In his first year as had the strength of character and foresight to change the way NSW had traditionally selected and ran their origin campaigns.
Freddy took some risks in order to set up a system and a culture that could provide the Blues with sustained success.
The type of success that Queensland has had for over a decade which has frustrated and demoralised NSW at times.
Now after only 10 months since winning just their second origin series in 13 years Freddy finds himself at critical fork in the road right ironically just when Queensland are on their knees and wounded.
So, what will the Blues do? Change what worked last year?
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Seven weeks ago in this column I argued that Freddy should pick and stick with last year’s winning halves combination.
Despite everything that’s happening at Penrith I haven’t changed my mind.
Cleary’s selection, at age 20, was viewed by Freddy and the selectors as a solid investment for the future.
An origin playmaker who they could build performances around due to his stability and maturity on the biggest stage.
Well he didn’t let them down, did he. Nathan’s combination with Maloney delivered a solid platform and direction for the rest of the team.
The two of them complimented each other perfectly with their kicking games.
At his best, Nathan has the ability to play at a high intensity with a low error rate.
He can sense when to pass or when to run and reads his support lines brilliantly. Last year his defensive effort in all three games was outstanding.
He did exactly what was expected of him, and probably more.
Maloney is one of the most intelligent and composed playmakers that I have coached. He is perfect for origin football because he understands the process and execution required in earning field position and building and maintaining pressure on the opposition.
Jimmy has played a vital role in five origin victories during his career.
NSW have only won 14 games since 2006.
Last year he led them to one of only two series victories in 13 years.
In game one, Maloney gave the last pass for two of the Blues four tries and put a cross field kick on a dime for Tom Trbojevic for another.
In game two, to clinch the series, he steered his team out of trouble, trailing 10-nil after 20 minutes, to a 12-10 halftime lead. Jimmy put on the first try for Addo-Carr down a short side and then threaded a grubber through for Cordner’s penalty try.
He also kicked two pressure conversions from the sideline which proved the difference in the 18-14 final score line.
With this year’s Origin opening in Brisbane I believe Queensland will have to win this game to win the series.
They have their problems in having to replace Billy Slater and Greg Inglis.
On paper this gives NSW another advantage before a ball has been kicked.
What this guarantees, is that like nowhere else in Origin, Suncorp Stadium will present NSW with the most hostile environment against a ferociously committed Queensland side.
Maloney has seen it all before and won’t bat an eyelid.
He will have no trouble summing up the situation.
He is just the sort of leader and football brain you need in this type of game.
Cleary can only have improved for the experience of his first series. He is better equipped for origin football now than he was 12 months ago.
It’s a big call, but so is changing a winning Origin combination, something that the Blues have rarely had for the last 13 years.
Being a proud Queenslander, it doesn’t bother who ends up getting the nod. If I was in Kevin Walter’s shoes though, I would be praying for Blues to change the combination that beat the maroons last year.
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