Let's Talk Origin - Round 2

Ok, I know it's only round two, but the pinnacle of our great game is only a bit over two months away and who doesn't like putting their selector's cap on for a good yarn about who should be charged with guiding their state to Origin glory?

Each week at LeagueUnlimited.com we'll do our best to toss up a few names for everyone to debate over. For each state we'll name three players:

• An incumbent member of the squads that featured in last year's series who look to be cementing their spot or perhaps are in line for a positional switch.
• A player looking for a recall after being dropped, injured or suspended.
• A rookie who is putting their hand up for their first taste of it.

We'll also bring you one player who could be under the pump to hold his position in the team

THE INCUMBENTS

NSW - BRETT MORRIS (FULLBACK) - There's no doubt Brett Morris will be in the Blues set up again this year, but it's his early season form in the number one jersey that has everyone talking. With speed to burn, the prolific try scorer has gone to another level under Des Hasler. His running game in traffic has been particularly impressive with 15 tackle busts to his name and his combination with incumbent Blues halfback Hodkinson should only get better in the months ahead leading up to Origin. Playing fullback at this level means being prepared to put your body on the line at all costs, a feat Morris has more than proven. Who can forget his match saving tackle on Darius Boyd in Game one last year with a busted shoulder?

QLD - GREG INGLIS (FULLBACK) - The most dangerous player on the planet with ball in hand needs just that, more ball in hand. For the last few years in Origin he has been kept fairly quiet playing in the centres. After helping South Sydney to its first premiership in 43 years, Inglis looks as hungry and determined as ever, if not more. He has all the speed and ball playing skills that Billy Slater currently provides plus the added size and strength to play a more robust running game suited to Origin. Would be a tough call to make on Slater who will go down in history as one of the all-time great Origin fullbacks, but they could surely still find a spot for him on one of the vacant wings.

THE RECALLED

NSW - GLENN STEWART (BACK-ROW) - A lot of question marks were raised about how Stewart would fit into the structured South Sydney play this pre-season. The result so far has been a credit to his ability. His ball playing skills on the edges have sharpened their attack and added another dimension to their game. Somewhat underrated is Stewart's defense. Not only can he rack up a big tackle count, his decision making is usually spot on and he often makes crucial tackles at key moments. Did a tremendous job in the opening two games of the 2012 series shutting down Johnathan Thurston before he was injured for game three. The only thing lacking in Stewart's game is his hit ups coming out of his own end. Perhaps he would be best used off the bench when the game begins to open up more.

QLD - JOSH PAPALII (PROP/BACK-ROW) - Papalii last donned the Maroon jersey in game one last year before suffering an ankle injury which ruled him out of game two. He was than overlooked for game three with his form struggling to match his undoubted ability. Papalii has been moved into the front row to start the season resulting in a bit less game time, which could be a blessing in disguise. His energy levels look a lot higher when on the paddock and he seems to be developing some real good footwork before the line to match his brute force. Could be used in short but potentially lethal bursts off the bench.

THE ROOKIES

NSW - MATT MOYLAN (FULLBACK) - The most contentious position on everyone's lips at the moment is who will replace the Hayne Train. Moylan's name was mentioned before a ball was even kicked this season and he has certainly put his hand up in the opening two rounds. The beauty of having Hayne at the back was not only his superb running game, but his added ball playing ability. Moylan undoubtedly brings this to the table having laid on three try and line break assists so far this year. His temperament under pressure appears well suited to the Origin arena having kicked match winning goals and field goals to get his team over the line in some big games last year.

QLD - DANE GAGAI (CENTRE/WING) - Blew his chance last year when he failed to turn up to a training session during an emerging Maroon's camp in the pre-season. Has burst out of the blocks this year though with a red hot performance in round one. Does a tremendous amount of work coming out of his own end averaging 171 running meters and a total of ten tackle busts over the opening rounds. Seems to be working on his defensive game as well with some really good reads shutting down attacking plays. With the retirement of Brent Tate and the injury to Darius Boyd, there's certainly a spot up for grabs on the wing, but don't rule out a call up in his favored position of centre if Qld opt to move Inglis to the back.

UNDER THE PUMP

NSW - ANTHONY WATMOUGH - There's certainly no questioning Watmough has been an integral part of the Blues make up for some time having produced some five star performances along the way. The fact is though like many of his blues brothers in the pack, the once 100 miles an hour enforcer isn't getting any younger and is picking up more and more niggling injuries as the weeks go by. With plenty of quality young forwards coming through, perhaps now would be a good time for Choc to pass the baton.

QLD - SAM THAIDAY - After the eight year winning dynasty was broken last year, it will be interesting to see if the Maroon's stick with the tried and tested loyalty formula that has played a large part in their success. For the majority of that eight year period, Thaiday was always one of the first forwards picked. It's been well documented that he's struggling to find his best form early this year and after being benched for round two, it was expected he would again lift and add some spark coming off the bench. His failure to have any great impact could have Mal Meninga a little nervous.

LEFT-FIELD THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

Has anyone thrown up the prospect of Parramatta registering a $1 contract for Jarryd Hayne and would this make him eligible for Origin selection? Yes, I know there's no way his NFL contract would allow it, but someone had to put it out there...