WITH the teams for the blockbusting third and deciding game of origin to be picked next Monday the 29th, I thought I’d have a stab at throwing up my NSW team as well.

After going down 44-24 in game two at the MCG, I’ve made five changes from the team we watched last start.

1. James Tedesco. Had a great game last weekend and has kept off the charge from Dylan Edwards whose chances you’d think were thwarted after Penrith went down to the Titans. 

2. Brian To’o. There have been many calling for the popular figure to make way for a ‘taller – more agile’ winger. But Brian keeps his spot in my team for the decider. 

3. Stephen Crichton. His mere presence was missed in game 2, and he is welcomed back with open arms as we head to Suncorp. 

4. Tom Trbojevic. If Tommy is fit, he’s in. Sure he’s been out a while but with the recent niggles for Latrell Turbo would be a welcome addition to my backline.

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase. Marky Mark was our best back in game 2 and you just know he was born for these pressure cooker moments. 

6. Ethan Strange. He was great in game one’s win, then only had 12 minutes in game 2. Adds a ton of variation which was severely lacking in game 2. 

7. Nathan Cleary. He personally shouldered much of the blame for the Blues woes in game 2, but game three you just know he’s up for a monster! 

8. Payne Haas. He was quiet in game 2 after coming back from a long layoff. With kms in his legs he’ll shoulder much of NSW go forward in Brisbane. 

9. Blaike Brailey. I just love how crafty he is in and around the ruck. He just adds more in attack than Reece Robson. Api is my back up number 9. 

10. Isaah Yeo. I just must find a way for Yeo and Murray to start the game together. And this is the way in which I think we’ll unlock more 2nd phase play. 

11. Hudson Young. Our best forward in game 2, he is the first forward picked.

12. Hamole Olakau’atu. Was sensationally left out of game 2 in Melbourne but he won’t be left out of the decider. Or will he? 

13. Cam Murray. He is an out-and-out middle and having both he and ‘Yeoy’ starting the game has us automatically looking better. 

14. Liam Martin. He just had to prove his fitness to be an instant walk-up start for game 3. He may even start in front of Olakau’atu. 

15. Victor Radley. Was way too overzealous in game 2 giving away several unwanted penalties. He’ll be better for that experience as we head to the decider. 

16. Mitch Barnett. I would have had his teammate Jackson Ford in this jersey until injury cruelly hit him in the form of a pec injury. Barnett gets a reprieve. 

17. Dylan Lucas. You can’t throw the baby out with the bath water. He needs another chance and could prove valuable as QLD tire. 

18. Api Koroisau. Got nothing but splinters in his bum from sitting on the bench for the entirety of game 2. He is a weapon NSW must use for game 3!

19. Jack Bostock. Can play fullback, wing, or centre if the scenario so fits. And is a big part of the Dolphins 7 wins in a row. 

LETS GO YOU BLUES! 

MG (random Westie) OAM