Social media was set ablaze yesterday after new Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga named his first squad.
Most seemed to question the inclusions of Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan, while Greg Inglis’ shift to centre has also generated plenty of discussion.
Below I have attempted to break down the squad, looking at the surprising selections, those who were unlucky to miss out, and the Kangaroos chances of victory next week.
Selection Shocks
Blake Ferguson’s selection at centre was the biggest shock and is a decision that has been widely panned across the media and on social media.
Ferguson, who hasn’t been setting the world on fire in a shockingly disappointing team should be buying lotto tickets after earning his international debut.
His defensive reads have at times been comical, although it would be harsh to say the Roosters problems are due to Ferguson’s lack of form.
The other selection ‘shock’ was Josh Dugan’s selection on the wing over a fulltime NRL winger.
Dugan, whose form has been outstanding in an otherwise inconsistent side, can hardly be denied a rep jumper, but his selection out of position has some people shaking their heads.
Greg Inglis, who has been well below par in season 2016, has been selected at centre. Despite his drop in form, to criticize his selection, anywhere in the side, would be ridiculous.
Josh Papalii’s selection has attracted plenty of attention, while Gallen’s selection at prop, despite a plethora of in-form front rowers, is a little strange.
Matt Gillett’s selection can’t really be considered a ‘shock’ but many, myself included, had him just outside their initial 17. I’m happy with Gillett’s inclusion.
Semi Radradra, despite being the premier winger in the game, should be representing Fiji, not Australia.
Unlucky to miss out
James Tedesco and Lachlan Coote are the form fullbacks of the competition and can consider themselves very unlucky, however given Boyd’s form, talent and experience, I simply can’t question the decision.
Corey Oates looked to have a mortgage on one of the wing positions and can consider himself desperately unlucky. I expect him to line up in maroon in the not too distant future.
James Roberts, Michael Jennings and Josh Morris will be wondering what more they have to do to warrant selection.
Jennings and Roberts are amongst the form centres of the competition and with all due respect to Blake Ferguson, deserved selection. Jennings has been named 19th man but will be wondering how he is not partnering Radradra for the Roos.
NSW blues hitmen Beau Scott and Greg Bird were probably unlucky to miss out, although I had neither as a walk on to claim a jersey.
Andrew Fifita’s non-selection, especially given Aaron Wood’s injury, is incredible. His 2016 will see him walk into the Origin set up. Most had him over McGuire and Scott in terms of form. That being said, neither the aforementioned players are hardly test shock selections.
Dylan Napa and Anthony Milford would have been in the reckoning had they not messed up in a pre-season emerging QLD Origin camp.
The Side
This Roos side, despite some questionable selections, is by no means a bad side, and will enter their ANZAC clash deserved favourites.
Darius Boyd is a brilliant fullback and is playing brilliant football. His selection was guaranteed, it was only a question of whether he would play fullback or shift to the wing as he has done so well for QLD over the years.
Dugan and Radradra are both big, fast, tackle breaking machines and will give any opposition wing pairing nightmares. Dugan’s selection of out of position may cause some problems, especially considering his troubles defending out wide earlier in the season, but he won’t let anyone down. Semi is the best winger in the world.
Ferguson and Inglis are both dangerous players, albeit very much down on form. Both have Origin experience and can bust a game wide open. Despite their talent, this may be the Roos possible weakness. Inglis isn’t running at full pace, and Ferguson has been cut in half in defence.
The halves are automatic selection and despite good form of other players, was never in doubt. One sure-fire future immortal and another possible future immortal. No questions.
Paul Gallen and Matt Scott are two of the best front rowers in the world, despite the fact Gallen doesn’t play prop fulltime at the Sharks. The way he plays in the 13 means the Sharks often play with three props, so no problems here.
Cam Smith would have been the first player picked, and only suspension or injury would have seen otherwise.
Josh Papalii’s selection was somewhat unexpected, as was Matt Gillett’s but both are players worthy of pulling on the green and gold. Corey Parker is another automatic selection, it was always just a matter of whether he played lock, second row or off the bench.
Michael Morgan’s selection is a welcome one. He can play anywhere across the backline and should offer impact off the bench. He and Milford will be contesting this spot for many years to come.
McGuire and Tamou are both monster props and worthy of selection. Fifita would not have looked out of position here, however I’m not going to criticize this selection.
Sam Thaiday has been a representative mainstay for as long as I can remember and was another automatic selection.
Chances
The Kiwis side is going to be weakened due to recent injuries to RTS and Lolohea, but even at full strength, this Aussie side has enough fire power to cause all sorts of problems.
Mal Meninga has proven himself to be a master motivator so I can’t see how the Kangaroos don’t come out firing.
Roos by 6.
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