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Message: [QUOTE="Big Pete, post: 2667775, member: 1899"] I don't think Richards should really come into contention. Sure, he has some strengths as far as kicking skills are concerned but the Blues would really have to be struggling for depth if he gets a look in. RE: Origin II 2009 - Wolfman is a really good example of rep selectors rewarding the premiers by selecting players who really aren't well rounded enough to compete in the higher levels. Dave wasn't utterly hopeless but it was clear he had errors in him and defensively could be exposed. This was apparent in the World Cup final and when he returned part-way through 2009, his form really wasn't deserving of Origin selection. However, the Blues side was going through an overhaul and really it was slim pickings as far as backs went. At the time, I remember Brett Morris was the ideal pick for the wing but when he got his shot in 2010 he was absolutely dreadful and I don't think he won fans over until the 2012 series, particularly the decider where he made the big break and scored the first try by getting through a soft Thaiday & Smith tackle. As far as bad selections are concerned, it doesn't even rate with dropping Campese for Barrett when they made a point of building combinations or going with Josh Morris on the bench as a late replacement for Craig Wing. But yeah, Blues fans should really study this series because I honestly think it set them back so long and definitely extended the Maroons run. So much short-sighted selections that ultimately backfired and really highlighted the importance of Origin coaches accepting the role on a full-time basis. Not compromising like Bellamy had to. And that's how the team usually read. Just a bunch of compromises where every selector had one of their interests met (Bellamy gets White in the team, Bozo gets a dud Manly player in there, Daley selects a bunch of nothing country players etc) It's a far cry where they are now where they at least have some semblance of unity and cohesion, although it will be interesting to see how they cope with life post-Hayne. [/QUOTE]

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