I’VE BEEN as outspoken as anyone in terms of dismay at NSW’s selections over the years but the widespread condemnation of their 2016 squad, released on Monday, seems bizarre to me.
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Rather than picking the same tired bunch that have consistently been walloped in recent years - 2014 aside - they finally decided to bring in some new blood and have a bit of a punt, naming five debutants.
I’ve still seen and heard a constant stream of “this is the worst side picked in ages”, “just give Queensland the shield now” and “NSW can’t win with that team” though.
I’m inclined to think it’s actually one of the best NSW squads picked in years.
Half of them pick themselves and most of the other selections make sense, although naming Dylan Walker is a bit strange and I’m buggered if I know what more Wade Graham and Bryce Cartwright could’ve done to make the cut.
But I’m not going to pick the side apart.
Aaron Woods’ selection got me thinking on Monday morning, purely because one of his nicknames is ‘Woodzilla’, which is brilliant.
So, I’ve gone and named the greatest NSW side since State of Origin’s inception in 1980, from those who have played, based solely on the strength of nicknames.
For the record, the decision to discount the years before 1980 was a tough one. Being able to include Reg ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ Gasnier was ever so tempting.
It’s actually a very handy team too.
In possibly the best nickname of the lot Phil ‘What’s-a-packet-a’ Sigsworth lines up at fullback, while Anthony ‘The Count’ Minichiello and Mark ‘Sparkles’ McGaw flank him on the wings.
Matthew ‘Giggles’ Gidley and Steve ‘The Zip Zip Man’ Ella fill the two centre roles, while five-eighth Terry ‘Baa Baa’ Lamb will partner Brett ‘Noddy’ Kimmorley in the halves.
Glenn ‘The Brick With Eyes’ will lead the forward pack from prop and also skipper the side, with Mark ‘Spud’ Carroll the other front-rower.
Des ‘The Cougar’ Hasler is named to play hooker, while Steve ‘Beaver’ Menzies, Mario ‘The Maltese Falcon’ Fenech and Ray ‘Mr Perpetual Motion’ Price form a formidable back-row.
I haven’t forgotten a bench, with Paul ‘Chief’ Harragon, Eric ‘The Guru’ Grothe, David ‘Cement’ Gillespie and ‘Woodzilla’ set to come off the pine.
I’d have included Benny Elias normally, but the origins of his nickname aren’t appropriate, in any context really.