TRF_melon
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Aaaand here it is...State of Origin is once again upon us and it's set to be an absolute cracker!
2012 ushers in the "post Darren Lockyer" era of Queensland's State of Origin dominance with Jonathan Thurston taking over the #6 jersey and his long term understudy Cooper Cronk slotting in to half back.
Although Queensland have picked a pretty much expected team with the exception of a couple of players, New South Wales have made a few selections which has already dominated Rugby League discussion.
Despite being dropped to NSW Cup (reserve grade), Michael Jennings has secured a centre spot and there's a glaring omission in the selection process with Manly's Anthony Watmough being left out. Funnily enough though, Tony Williams has been include although having the past 7 weeks on the side lines.
Jamie Buhrer, James Tamou, Tony Williams and the in-form Todd Carney will make their debut for NSWs' Blues.
With Kurt Gidley's injury, it opened the door for Jamie Buhrer who has proved to be a versatile player.
Apart from Watmough's omission, the snubbing of Nathan Merritt is amazing. What the **** does he have to do to be picked? Unfortunately it seems he will go down in Rugby League folklore as one of those great players who never played Origin.
Queensland have named one of the great State of Origin stalwarts in Petero Civoniceva who will retire at the end of the year. Some question his age, however he is still make the metres to warrant automatic selection. This will be the 36 year old's 12th consecutive State of Origin Series.
For Queensland Matt Gillett will make his debut after beating Daly Cherry-Evans and Ben Barba for the utility spot on the bench. The remain three bench positions are all hulking forwards including Dave Taylor, David Shillington and Ben Hannant.
Let the games begin!
Queensland
1. Billy Slater
2. Darius Boyd
3. Greg Inglis
4. Justin Hodges
5. Brent Tate
6. Johnathan Thurston
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Matthew Scott
9. Cameron Smith (captain)
10. Petero Civoniceva
11. Nate Myles
12. Sam Thaiday
13. Ashley Harrison
14. Matt Gillett
15. David Taylor
16. Ben Hannant
17. David Shillington
New South Wales
1. Brett Stewart
2. Akuila Uate
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Jarryd Hayne
6. Todd Carney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Paul Gallen
9. Robbie Farah
10. James Tamou
11. Luke Lewis
12. Glenn Stewart
13. Greg Bird
14. Trent Merrin
15. Tony Williams
16. Jamie Buhrer
17. Ben Creagh.