Origin 2021: Have your say and vote on the best backline to represent NSW
While a team featuring Freddy, Sticky and Lozza sticks long in the mind, it’s obviously hard to forget what happened last week when selecting the best backline to ever represent NSW in Origin.
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Was it Turvey’s history-makers in 1985 or the 1993 squad featuring the big three of Sticky, Loz and Freddy?
Joey Johns led a backline cohort featuring the likes of Anthony Minichiello and Mark Gasnier in 2005.
And now there’s Teddy, Turbo and Latrell — the leaders of a backline that whacked Queensland 50-6 in game one?
So, is this the greatest backline in Origin history?
Although difficult, The Telegraph narrowed an incredible array of backlines back to nine – 1980, 1983, 1985, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2014 and the current backline which demolished Queensland in Townsville.
WHICH IS THE GREATEST NSW ORIGIN BACKLINE? HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE POLL BELOW
And after canvassing the opinion of league greats, it was universally accepted that the current backline – Tedesco, Addo-Carr, To’o, Mitchell, Trbojevic, Luai and Cleary – could match any NSW has fielded since 1980.
“This current backline in game one was unbelievable. Latrell Mitchell, wow, Teddy, Turbo, he was sensational in game one,” said former NSW fullback Garry Jack, a member of the 1985 side.
Former Blues winger Adam MacDougall added: “We’ve got an embarrassment of riches in our outside backs at the moment, so much depth and talent. It’s such an exciting backline.
“Young Nathan Cleary – what a player he is – and the combination with his little friend from Penrith, Jarome Luai. It’s pretty cool watching them combine.”
Jack Gibson’s Parramatta stars dominated the 1983 backline through Brett Kenny, Peter Sterling, Neil Hunt, Mick Cronin, Steve Ella and Eric Grothe.
Two years later, NSW won their first-ever series when skipper Steve Mortimer inspired the Blues to a famous series-clinching victory.
Mortimer collapsing onto the SCG turf in elation at full time became Origin folklore. A year later, the nucleus of the 1985 backline returned to give NSW a 3-0 triumph.
A new era emerged in the early 1990s and NSW’s 1993 backline contained Laurie Daley, Ricky Stuart, Brad Fittler, Andrew Ettingshausen, Paul McGregor and Tim Brasher.
In ’96, Geoff Toovey and Brett Mullins grabbed places in another star-studded backline which saw NSW thump Queensland 3-0.
The 2000 backline boasted the free-running MacDougall, David Peachey, Ryan Girdler and Brett Kimmorley.
MacDougall nominated that year as the best, saying: “That was the most fun backline I played in. We had the clean sweep. There were lots of characters, not just good football players.
“That was a great backline. There have been some wonderful NSW backlines over the years.”
Jack said Kenny made such a massive difference during his era.
“We had the great Stevie Mortimer in 1985 but the difference for us was Brett Kenny – he was a match winner in 1985 and 1986,” Jack said.
“Kenny had a success rate at five-eighth against The King (Wally Lewis). Remember, we were playing against a great Queensland team with a backline that included Lewis, Meninga, Close, Miles, Ribot, Boustead.
“We hadn’t won a series until 1985. Once we did that, it sparked more interest in Origin, there was even more passion.”
Brasher reckoned his side’s backline in the early to mid-1990s had an edge over most rivals but praised the 1985 and 1986 winning Blues backline.
“I remember watching that Mortimer, Kenny, Grothe backline, my God, they were fantastic. The ’85 side was the first to win a series and the next year it was 3-0 – the first NSW side to do that, amazing,” Brasher said.
“The 2000 backline was certainly good but I don’t feel they were as strong as the mid-1990s. The backline we saw in Origin I this year, they were fantastic and, in saying that, Tedesco had a quiet game. He did more of the grunt work.
“Latrell, I don’t know why they ever pick him at fullback. He is a centre all day, and a great centre. I don’t think his motor is big enough for fullback. His body and skills down that short side are amazing.
“But it’s too hard to pick one backline, mate. We have at least four periods where we had great backlines. You’re never going to say it was a bad one because all the players that make it, they’re the best of the best.
“Whether they gel or don’t gel, that makes them great or not.”
YEAR: 1980
BACKLINE: Graham Eadie, Chris Anderson, Mick Cronin, Steve Rogers, Greg Brentnall, Alan Thompson, Tom Raudonikis.
RESULT: Lost inaugural one-off Origin game.
THE STORY: Third game of series and first ever played under State of Origin selection rules. Raudonikis led NSW against a highly charged and emotional Queensland side, who won 20-10. The Blues backline was All-Australian but were stunned at Queensland physicality and ferocity. Brentnall had the honour of scoring the first ever Origin try after strong lead-up work from Eadie and Cronin. Rogers and Cronin were regarded as one of the greatest representative centre combinations of all-time.
OUR VERDICT: 7th
YEAR: 1983
BACKLINE: Marty Gurr, Neil Hunt, Mick Cronin, Steve Ella, Eric Grothe, Brett Kenny, Peter Sterling.
RESULT: Lost 2-1.
THE STORY: It had never happened before, hasn’t happened since and probably won’t happen again Unbelievably, Parramatta supplied six of the seven NSW backs. Sterling, Kenny, Cronin, Ella, Hunt and Grothe – all part of Jack Gibson’s famous Eels side which won three successive premierships in 1981, ’82 and ’83. Only Eastern Suburbs fullback Marty Gurr broke up Parramatta’s backline domination. Kenny and Sterling were at the peak of their powers. But as good as the Eels stars were, they came up short in Origin with NSW losing the ’83 series.
OUR VERDICT: 8th
YEAR: 1985
BACKLINE: Garry Jack, John Ferguson, Chris Mortimer, Michael O’Connor, Eric Grothe
Brett Kenny, Steve Mortimer.
RESULT: Won 2-1
THE STORY: Finally, NSW win after Mortimer’s ’85 side snapped five years of Queensland domination. And victory was largely due to a stunning backline which started with the brilliant Garry Jack at fullback. This backline had speed through ‘Chicka’ Ferguson, power through Grothe, guile through O’Connor and toughness through centre Chris Mortimer. Kenny capped off a truly wonderful NSW backline. A 21-14 win in game two at the SCG sealed the series with Kenny and Chris Mortimer scoring tries.
OUR VERDICT: 2nd
YEAR: 1993
BACKLINE: Tim Brasher, Andrew Ettingshausen, Brad Fittler, Paul McGregor, Rod Wishart
Laurie Daley, Ricky Stuart.
RESULT: Won 2-1
THE STORY: This backline was off the charts. Stuart, Daley and Fittler had emerged over the previous four years and were ready to elevate themselves into the elite status. This was a backline chock full of magic, promoting NSW to a 2-1 series win. Stuart had established himself as the game’s premier halfback, Canberra teammate Daley was marching towards greatness while Fittler was showing raw and pure power and skill. Add Ettingshausen, McGregor, Wishart and Brasher and this was some backline.
OUR VERDICT: 1st
YEAR: 1996
BACKLINE: Tim Brasher, Rod Wishart, Andrew Ettingshausen, Laurie Daley, Brett Mullins, Brad Fittler, Geoff Toovey
RESULT: Won 3-0
THE STORY: Difficult times during Super League war with News Ltd aligned players returned to representative football after a court verdict was delayed. The players managed to extricate themselves from politics to nail a ripping 3-0 series win. There were four ARL players and three from Super League in the NSW backline. It was awkward at times but this red hot backline combined nicely to secure a series clean sweep. Ettingshausen and Mullins scored tries in two of the three games.
OUR VERDICT: 3rd
YEAR: 2000
BACKLINE: David Peachey, Adam MacDougall, Ryan Girdler, Shaun Timmins, Jamie Ainscough, Brad Fittler, Brett Kimmorley
RESULT: Won 3-0
THE STORY: A free spirited backline which amassed a massive 104 points in three games. And the champion who led his side was Ryan Girdler, the centre who scored a combined tally of 52 points across three matches, including 32 points in a 56-16 game three win. Girdler scored five tries in the series and landed 16 goals. Peachey was elusive from the back with ‘Mad Dog’ MacDougall adding the power. Fittler and Kimmorley combined wonderfully well in the halves.
OUR VERDICT: 6th
YEAR: 2005
BACKLINE: Anthony Minichiello, Matt King, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Timana Tahu, Trent Barrett, Andrew Johns
RESULT: Won 2-1
THE STORY: Halfback Brett Kimmorley was dropped after game one for throwing an extra time intercept pass with NSW coach Ricky Stuart turning to the legend himself, Andrew Johns. Johns played games two and three with NSW winning both by a combined total of 32 points. Johns ignited the Blues backline and was at his creative best, a true genius at work. St George Illawarra pair Matt Cooper and Mark Gasnier were the centre pairing with Roosters star Anthony Minichiello playing fullback.
OUR VERDICT: 4th
YEAR: 2014
BACKLINE: Jarryd Hayne, Brett Morris, Josh Morris, Michael Jennings, Daniel Tupou, Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson.
RESULT: Won 2-1
THE STORY: This will go down as one of the great coaching achievements in Origin history. With all due respect, it was a miracle NSW coach Laurie Daley managed to snap Queensland’s eight-year reign with Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson as his halves. Fortunately Jarryd Hayne was in a menacing mood throughout the series and tore Queensland apart. Not the finest NSW backline but one that will go down in history.
OUR VERDICT: 9th
YEAR: 2021
BACKLINE: James Tedesco, Josh Addo-Carr, Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary.
RESULT: 1-0 ahead
THE STORY: It’s only one win and there’s still two games remaining but NSW’s backline performance in game one was stunning. The Blues back literally tore Queensland to shreds. Tom Trbojevic was destructive while centre partner Latrell Mitchell produced a performance for the ages. Newcomer Brian To’o scored two tries while Panthers teammate Jarome Luai also starred on debut. It was, without question, one of the best combined backline performances in State of Origin’s 40-year history. The key question? Can they back it up this Sunday night?
OUR VERDICT: 5th
WHY BLUES LITTLE MAN THRIVES IN LAND OF THE GIANTS
He stands just 182cms and knows he’ll be targeted again in State of Origin II – but Queensland should abandon plans to intimidate Blues winger Brian To’o, according to the man himself.
“Because it just brings me more energy – and that it gives me more confidence and hunger to fight more and play hard,” To’o said.
“I will just come back harder and stronger. I will run that ball, yes sir.”
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Small in stature for wingers in the current era, he gives away up to 20cm on rival wingers, To’o was challenged in the air and on the ground during Origin I yet emerged as NSW’s latest star.
Not only did he repel Queensland, To’o wracked up some stunning stats including two tries and 225 metres from 26 runs.
Queensland openly claimed it would target To’o in Townsville – and the move failed.
While acknowledging he will be singled out again on Sunday night in Brisbane, To’o says he will be ready for the challenge.
“They targeted me (in game one) and no doubt they will target me again in game two,” he said.
“It’s obviously a big game at Suncorp and everyone is going to be looking to target me.
“But I love it, I love the challenge. It’s something I always look forward to, especially when someone calls you out.
“I know all the Blues boys have got my back, that’s all I need.
“It’s good to go up against someone who is bigger than you – it’s something I’ve always loved, being the small guy going up against the big boys.
“It just brings me more energy. It gives me more confidence and more hunger to fight more and play hard.
“Even if I do fail, it’s the way I live, it’s always good to fail to be better. If they do succeed, it’s not going to faze me. All I want to do is do my job for the boys and hopefully get that win.
“I will just come back harder and stronger. I will run that ball, yes sir. I’m just really looking forward to it.”
To’o has multiple thoughts before playing each game. He thinks about his family, his sister and teammates.
In 2008, To’o lost little sister, Dannielle, to cancer. He remembers her before each match.
“I always say a prayer in my corner before a game – I pray for my Lord and saviour and for my sister. She is the reason why I play hard every week,’ To’o said.
“Everything I do is always for her. That settled the nerves. When I take my first carry, that’s when everything goes away.”
Although an automatic selection for Origin II, To’o admitted he would always be attacked by nerves before a big game.
“The nerves will always be there – every game I play I always get nervous, and excited at the same time,” he said.
The Blues were spotted earthing in parkland outside their team resort in Kingscliff on Monday morning and then again after training at nearby Cudgen
Inside story: Why Blues star gave Maroons rival a spray
– Nick Campton and Fatima Kdouh
Blues five-eighth Jarome Luai has revealed the Queensland sledges that led to the infamous picture that has set the Origin series alight ahead of Game II.
A photo of Luai standing over Maroons backrower Felise Kaufusi midway through NSW’s 50-6 victory in Townsville has done the rounds ever since the record Blues triumph.
The Maroons aren’t happy at Luai’s apparent taunt, but the 24-year-old says he was only giving as good as he got after he was sledged by the Queenslanders while injured earlier in the game.
“(They said) ‘you’re soft’, ‘get up’, same sort of crap, so it was good to give some back,” Luai revealed.
“It was a bit of a memory blank moment, because when I went down (injured) a few of their players had words to say to me. It woke me up and got me in the game, it was sort of a ‘let’s go’ mentality.
“I probably put a target on myself to be honest, but I was probably targeted in the first game anyway. Nothing is going to change for me in terms of mentality, but it probably will fire them up.
“It wasn’t even after I did something good, it was off a good Junior (Paulo) carry. I was just so pumped and he left a few guys on the ground.”
Luai’s confident style will make him public enemy number one in Brisbane next Sunday as the desperate Maroons try to make amends for their Origin I thrashing.
There’s no chance of Luai, or his Panthers and Blues teammate Brian To’o, backing down though — they’re planning to fight fire with fire in an effort to wrap up the series.
“We love it. They’re going to send it back and be a bit angry about that and try to fire us up, but it’ll only make us really keen for the next game. Me and my boy will be ready to take it on,” To’o said.
“It’s all about passion and Romey is really passionate about the game. He’s a bit of a pest as well, so he’s always bringing that energy.
“They bring it back as well, the Queenslanders, so we just love to send it back.”
Luai and To’o were again in the thick of things in Penrith’s 38-12 win over the Roosters, with the nuggety winger crossing for two tries as the Panthers overturned an early deficit to snap their two-match losing streak.
“We felt pretty flat, but it’s not about how you start, it’s how you finish,” To’o said.
“We just tried to keep that same energy, stay consistent and do our job for the team.
“It was pretty tough to watch the boys have a couple of losses, so we just tried to lift their spirits and bring that energy from Origin.”
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