State of Origin 2016: Matthew Johns names his NSW must-picks for game three

MATTHEW JOHNS: It’s time NSW selected players on their attacking strengths, not defensive shortcomings. Here are my selections to make the Blues great again.

BRYCE Cartwright has to be the first picked when the New South Wales side is selected for Origin III. Of all the players available for selection he is without doubt our best and most creative playmaker.

However it would be a mistake to select him in the back row and place him on an edge. Edge back-rowers are placed in a creative straitjacket, they basically operate in a 10m corridor and are at the mercy of their halves in relation to involvement and ability to make an impact.

Paul Gallen needs to move up front and Cartwright given the 13 jersey, which allows him to play in the middle, roam the field and play in a second five-eighth role.

The Blues’ attack looks best when they look to play “through” the Queensland defence, rather than trying to play around it.

That’s Cartwright’s strength, playing through a defence. He can pass before or through the line and draws lots of defenders to him, which causes enormous problems with his ability to offload.

BRYCE AND TED’S ORIGIN ADVENTURE

KENT: TEDESCO CANNOT BE DENIED

Bryce Cartwright should be given licence to roam for NSW.

Against South Sydney last Friday night, he created opportunity with every touch of the football. His variation of play is fantastic; he can play inside or outside of structure and is emblematic of the new direction the Blues must take.

There has been talk that Cartwright’s propensity to miss a few tackles means he’s still 12 months away from being ready. I mean seriously?

Besides that, one of our major problems is that in NSW, our halves stock are low and we are really struggling for genuine creativity. Yet some still want to overlook Cartwright in favour of back rowers who tackle like machines but can barely pass a football.

Let’s take the team in a different direction by selecting players on their attacking strengths, not the odd defensive shortcoming. Tyson Frizell and Jack Bird brought new attitude and energy to the Blues jersey in Game II. More of that please.

Others requiring selection ...

After his game two disappointment, Wade Graham will surely get his chance now.

WADE GRAHAM

Will surely get his chance in Game III.

Like Cartwright, Graham will ease the pressure off the halves by being a genuine creative threat.

He can play either left or right edge. He can be a ball runner or a ballplayer. If it’s open and free flowing he’s comfortable, but equally at home if it’s tight and dour.

He’s tough and defends brilliantly. A no-brainer.

JAMES TEDESCO

Tedesco at fullback with Moylan in a different role, which I’ll come to.

Tedesco has size, speed and most importantly, complements his playmakers as well as any fullback in the game.

He will be lethal floating just off the shoulders of players like Graham and Cartwright. On top of that, he’s a skilful player. His passing game has improved enormously in the past 12 months.

Matt Moylan can keep his Blues jersey — but switch to the halves.

MOYLAN TO 6

Playing in the halves is the future for Matt Moylan. If world-class fullback Zak Hardaker from Leeds lives up to his billing out in Penrith, Moylan may be there sooner than we think.

Moylan will give the Blues a more cutting edge in the halves and while James Maloney and Graham will form a great attacking combination on an edge, Moylan and Cartwright will do the same.

How will he cope defensively? He’ll manage. Johnathan Thurston does.

JOSEPH LEILUA

Big, fast, evasive and physical. Ricky Stuart believes Leilua is ready for State of Origin, so that’s good enough for me.

Leilua once again presents a new direction and mindset for the Blues, rather than concerning ourselves with what Greg Inglis can do, and trying to pick a player who can nullify him, let’s go with someone who will present just as many problems for Inglis himself.

TOM TRBOJEVIC

When Queensland spot talent they don’t sit in it for two years, they select it. Corey Oates, a prime example.

Trbojevic is a freakish talent. In a Manly side struggling badly, he has been a shining light each week.

Tom is one of the game’s most natural tryscorers but like Oates, he also gets infield and creates an enormous threat to the middle defence with his size and pace.

Trbojevic is a great yardage player, and a phenomenal finisher.

Originally published as State of Origin 2016: Matthew Johns names his NSW must-picks for game three