SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 02: Sam Burgess and James Graham are interviewed during the 2014 NRL Grand Final lunch at The Star on October 2, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Renee McKay/Getty Images)
Many rugby league fans consider State of Origin the pinnacle of the sport, despite the existence of international tournaments. These are ten current international players from the NRL that would be right at home in the Origin arena.
It is no surprise that the Wests Tigers tackling machine Elijah Taylor has played 11 games for New Zealand. The reliable defender always puts the effort in and would not look out of place in State of Origin, providing consistent attack and defence.
Though the firebrand prop has not had the most enjoyable representative career, it would be hard to argue that Jared Waerea-Hargreaves would not suit Origin well. Waerea-Hargreaves is a premiership-winning forward and always provides his side with impressive go-forward – a huge requirement in State of Origin.
New Zealand’s captain Adam Blair is very experienced in the international arena with 48 games under his belt, to go along with his 302 NRL games. The veteran has become known as a hitman in recent years, with his aggressive hits and hard running difficult to ignore. There is no doubt this style of play would be well suited for Origin.
Jordan Rapana has a fierce determination to win each and every game he plays in, a trait that many of the best Origin players possess. Rapana also provides great speed, excellent finishing and will always put in for his team.
Manu Ma’u is one of Tonga’s best players and is quickly becoming one of the NRL’s most impressive edge forwards. Ma’u is a great player in both attack and defence, with the ability to run excellent lines or put big hits on the opposition.
Gareth Widdop has a spectacular ability to create something out of nothing, and is always looking to go on the attack. In such a defence oriented arena like State of Origin, a creative and flexible playmaker is invaluable, and Widdop would certainly provide some class.
Since his return to rugby league, Russell Packer has shown he is a seriously impressive front-row forward. Not only is he a very strong runner, Packer has proven he is determined and is a true leader. Such characteristics are important for State of Origin players.
One look at James Graham on the field explains why he would suit State of Origin perfectly. The English prop is extremely passionate for every side he represents, constantly providing go-forward, strong defence and a never say die attitude to his team.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is an incredibly talented fullback, with a running game that causes headaches for every team he faces. He is exactly what is needed from an Origin level fullback with his running game being complemented by his safety at the back and his general strength.
Sam Burgess played one of the most incredible games in NRL history in the 2014 grand final when he fractured his eye socket early in the match. It is performances such as these that are often associated with State of Origin – where players often play through incredible pain or injury. Burgess has shown he would slot perfectly into an Origin team.