Despite the fact that Origin One ended with a 6-4 scoreline, the NSW blues will have to lift to another gear to match the Queenslanders in Brisbane.

Although the Blues defended extremely well, the current side does not look like it has the points in it to worry the home side in two weeks-time.

A few of Laurie Daley’s selection were rightfully criticised, mainly the incredible to decision to pick Dylan Walker as an ‘impact player’.

With all due respect to Walker, he is not a utility player, he is a brilliant centre being played out of position and his form has not been good.

Not for a second did I believe Walker would be selected, and once again, I don’t want to turn this into an attack on the premiership winning centre, but neither his form nor his ‘utility value’ screamed selection.

I would not make wholesale changes for Origin II, but the side picked for Origin I needs to improve if the blues are any hope of forcing a decider.

Below are the five players I believe Laurie Daley MUST look at bringing in when his side is announced next week.

BATHURST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30: Blake Austin of the Raiders watches on during the round nine NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Canberra Raiders at Carrington Park on April 30, 2016 in Bathurst, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
BATHURST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30: Blake Austin of the Raiders watches on during the round nine NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Canberra Raiders at Carrington Park on April 30, 2016 in Bathurst, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

5. Blake Austin

If Blake Austin was not picked last year, after a blistering start to his Canberra career, then there is no chance of him being selected this year. His form has been well down on 2016 but he has shown, in glimpses, why he would be a far better option than Walker off the bench.

Austin is a genuine utility, having played in the halves, at fullback, at hooker and in the back row during his career. He is big, fast and can break the line. His kicking game is improving and although he misses the odd tackle, his ability to tackle playmakers one on one is very good.

Truth be told Austin probably isn’t in Daley’s Origin Two radar, but I’d rather see a genuine utility picked to full a utility role. Austin is just that, and on his day, destructive.

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