Despite a brilliant, last gasp win by the NSW Blues on Wednesday night, sadly for fans south of the Tweed, it was another case of a close series lost.
Some Origin careers undoubtedly came to an end with the end of the 2016 series, while some have just begun.
Others are up in the air and really could go either way. Below is a look at the NSW Origin Game 3 side and their likely future in the interstate arena.
1. James Tedesco
I still don’t understand how Tedesco was overlooked for Origin Two. It’s yet another case of what could have been for Blues fans. Teddy had a brilliant Origin debut without doing anything too spectacular. He threatened on many occasions although Blake Ferguson’s outstretched arms on more than one occasion indicate he hasn’t quite found his feet yet. He has a monster future in the Blues jersey and has the number one jersey for as long as he continues his form.
2. Josh Mansour
Mansour didn’t enjoy the most brilliant of Origin debut series, but far from let himself, or his state down. A glaring error to allow the ball to bounce in the closing moments could have seen his side suffer a clean sweep loss, however otherwise he was very solid. If he continues his career in the 13-a-side code, I believe he will be an Origin mainstay for years to come.
3. Michael Jennings
Truth be told, I thought Jennings Origin career was drawing to a close prior to his match-winning effort on Wednesday Night. Although he had threatened, his Origin Two performance was less than stellar, and with Hayne returning next season, I believed he’d hand his jersey over to his future Eels teammate. His try to send Paul Gallen off a winner reminded us of just how dangerous and brilliant the Eels centre can be. He’ll likely be around for at least another year yet.
4. Josh Dugan
I’m of the belief that Dugan should play at fullback. Given the presence of James Tedesco, I can’t see Dugan claiming back his number one jersey in the coming years. Dugan is a magical player and doesn’t often let anyone down at any level. I think he may push the likes of Mansour for a wing spot in the future, but I doubt his Origin career is anywhere near over.
5. Blake Ferguson
With Brett Morris back to full fitness, he has a mortgage on a wing spot in any side in the world until he no longer wants it. Ferguson didn’t have a great series, although his efforts in Origin three were very solid. Defensively he was found out many times across the three games and with Morris, Dugan and Mansour around, he may struggle to find his way back into the side.
6. Matt Moylan
Moylan had a far better game than most predicted, especially considering he played in a very unfamiliar position. That being said, you need two specialist halves to constantly win at this level. Adam Reynolds didn’t produce the goods in Origin one and two, and Pearce has had plenty of chances. A lack of options may see Moylan in the mix in the future, especially if he steps into a playmaking role for his club side Penrith.
7. James Maloney
Maloney was the Blue’s best across the series, capping off game three by being named man of the match. He is having a wow of a season in the Shire and if he can continue his form, will be the first player picked for the blues over the next three-or-so years.
8. Aaron Woods
A future Origin captain, Woods continues to grow at this level. Although he probably lacked the go forward of Gallen, or the spark and impact of the likes of Fifita, he is one of the best front rowers in the game and an automatic selection for many years to come.
9. Robbie Farah
Despite a solid series, I think we may have seen the last of Farah at the interstate level. A combination of age and instability at club level, as well as the emergence of Nathan Peats, means Farah will have a huge fight on his hands in the future.
10. Paul Gallen
Gallen has retired from NSW duties, and bowed out after playing a big hand in a brilliant win. He will be remembered as one of NSW’s best over the past decade.
11. Wade Graham
Graham was unlucky to miss Origin two, yet more than justified his selection in Origin three. The 25 year-old is a future captain at club level and despite only making his debut on Wednesday, has already been mentioned as a possible Origin captain. He is without a doubt a major part of the future of the Blues.
12. Josh Jackson
Jackson continues to be solid without producing anything match-winning worthy. He will tackle for days and can go for the full 80 minutes if required. He may lose his starting spot to Boyd Cordner in the future, but Jackson is another Origin mainstay.
13. Tyson Frizell
Tyson Frizell arguably made the biggest impact of any player across the series. At 24 years of age, he, like Graham, has many, many years of interstate action ahead of him, if he continues to perform.
14. Andrew Fifita
Despite a brain snap that saw his side reduced to ten men on Wednesday Night, Fifita is one of the premier front rowers in the game. His role for NSW is less than that expected of him at the Sharks, but his abilities are not in doubt. If he can cut out the silly penalties, he will replace Paul Gallen in the run on side next season.
15. James Tamou
At 27, Tamou is far from a spent force, but unfortunately was well below par across the 2016 series. Relegated to the bench after a less-than-stellar Origin two, Tamou will probably be the one to make way when Cordner returns. That being said, Tamou is elite, and a move to Penrith may kickstart his rep career.
16. David Klemmer
Klemmer has long been earmarked as a future Origin great. He’s huge, he’s aggressive and he hits like a mack truck. He probably lacked the impact expected, but is a near automatic selection for the next decade. He’ll probably need to fulfil his undoubted potential in the next year or two though.
17. Jack Bird
The ultimate utility player, Bird can do it all. He has looked a million dollars in both Origin efforts thus far and has plenty of improvement left in him. If he continues his form at the Sharks in the centres, he may be the long-term option for NSW, however given his skills in the halves and back row, he has a bench spot sewn up.
Summation: Tedesco, Morris, Hayne, Maloney, Woods, Fifita, Frizell, Cordner, Graham, Jackson, Klemmer and Bird will be around for many years. The Blues really need a halfback, hooker, centre and winger to compliment the amazing talent on show elsewhere. Form slump aside, there are probably five-or-so positions up for grabs in the near future.
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