State of Origin 2016: NSW coach Laurie Daley set to turn to 2014’s victorious halves pairing
HIS favourite song is Kenny Rogers’ classic The Gambler and NSW coach Laurie Daley is ready to go all-in for this year’s State of Origin series by selecting the halves that brought glory to the Blues in 2014 — Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds.
The Daily Telegraph can also reveal incumbent centres Josh Morris and Michael Jennings are under pressure to retain their spots as NSW look to win just their second Origin series in 11 years.
With a scarcity of Origin-quality halves to choose from, Daley is, at this stage, favouring Reynolds and Hodkinson after the pair were heavily instrumental in NSW’s historic 2-1 series win two years ago.
If Daley was forced to pick a side today, Hodkinson and Reynolds would be there for Origin I.
But there are still six matches before Origin selection, Daley keeping his options wide open. He did though offer legitimate reasons why Hodkinson and Reynolds would again be heavily considered.
“We know what Trent can do and Josh was certainly there in 2014 when we won,” Daley told The Daily Telegraph. “And they do enjoy playing with each other.
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“I know Trent, he is very reliable. You know you’re going to get. With ‘Grubby’ (Reynolds), he has been there and won a series. He would bring plenty of energy.
“The big thing for us is that we need to get the right pairing, whoever that may be. Hopefully they will fit into our team plans and can take us forward.
“But all options are on the table. There is some strong competition around at the moment. Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer (Canberra halves) are back playing at the moment, which is great. Adam Reynolds will also return in the next couple of weeks.
“We will wait and see, there is still plenty of time until Origin I and we have to make sure that, whoever is picked in the halves, can get the job done.”
Daley has admitted he will select St George Illawarra’s Josh Dugan in his team, either at fullback, wing or centre.
Wests Tigers’ James Tedesco is firmly to be NSW fullback, meaning Dugan may switch positions. If considered as a centre, pressure would mount on Jennings and Morris.
“Josh Dugan will be there, it’s just a matter of where we will play him,” Daley said.
“As long as he is playing well, I’ll have no hesitation finding a position for him. There is a lot of competition for outside spots. Everyone knows that. If ‘Duges’ plays out of position, that may mean someone else misses out. We’ll see.”
Asked was he happy with Morris’ performance for Canterbury on Monday night, Daley said: “I think Josh, like most of the Bulldogs players, looked a bit flat and I’m sure Josh would be disappointed with his performance.
“Being the professional that he is, Josh will know he has to improve on that performance and we expect him to do so in the next couple of games.”
Bulldogs coach Des Hasler said: “Josh has started the season great, defensively he is one of the best in the competition.”
Brisbane’s James Roberts is another red-hot centre candidate.
