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Opinion
Blues Origin coach Michael Maguire has stated categorically that his intention is to select a NSW team based on character.
In the world of rugby league, where integrity appears to consistently play something of a secondary role, Maguire may have a difficult task in sticking to his promise to do so.
Sadly, players, coaches and officials in rugby league are frequently tempted by waiving moral and ethical compasses.
On occasion, the breach is as serious as can be, with violence, assault, drugs and crime almost a certainty in yearly rugby league discussions.
At other times, incidents are far less serious, often with the people involved showing a level of immaturity more than anything else and not necessarily possessing criminal intent.
Maguire has traditionally been one of those coaches keen on the character of the man, sometimes at the expense of their talent; believing that that is the foundation upon which a club should be built, from the integrity of the front office all the way to the rookies on the playing list.
Of course, such a hope is a forlorn one in any workplace or industry, with opportunity always certain to lure the gullible and greedy into sins they will automatically regret and apologise for once caught in the act.
So what does a Blues team built on character look like? Plenty a name should be immediately struck from Maguire’s short-list should he actually be committed to the cause of action he claims to be following in terms of selection.
Based on the coach’s criteria of constructing a team “NSW can be proud of”, there would likely be little room for Latrell Mitchell, a player seemingly so caught up in his own talent and importance that rugby league looks more like a secondary activity to him right now.
Latrell Mitchell has the talent, but is he the type of player Michael Maguire needs in his Blues team? (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Soon to be Parramatta Eel Zac Lomax has loomed into the Origin selection space after an impressive start to the season and the ink still drying on a substantial contract.
After a lengthy period of mystery around his next move and considering some of the immature nonsense we have seen from him on the field in the past, I’m not sure Maguire will be as keen to select the super confident 24-year-old as he would a few others at his disposal.
Lomax brings a competitive and personal Mitchell-like chip on his shoulder that Maguire may be looking to avoid in his attempt to break a NSW losing streak.
Jarome Luai is one of the straws that stirs the Panthers drink, yet like both Mitchell and Lomax, is far from a quiet soul prepared to work diligently in the background without a lust for personal gain and recognition. All three are brilliant footballers, yet prone to controversy and poor decision making at times.
The challenge for Maguire in selecting them would be managing big and bold personalities when a healthy serving of Origin selflessness will be the only way the Blues can even dream of knocking off the Queenslanders in the coming series.
Canberra’s Hudson Young is another who might find a line struck through his name should Maguire be gathering men determined to put state far ahead of any personal aspirations and the penchant to resort to illegality, whilst Api Koroisau showed very little common sense and character in his biosecurity bubble breach during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hudson Young has the quality to succeed at Origin level but will he receive another chance in 2024? (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
All of the above are more than capable of playing a role in a winning Blues Origin team, yet if Maguire sticks to his mantra, they may find themselves on the outside.
With character as a determining trait, Tom and Jake Trbojevic will be first cabs off the rank when the side for Origin 1 on June five is announced. Despite some concern around the latter’s form, only those with short memories would consider leaving out a man with Origin in his veins and leadership abilities that Maguire will need in spades.
Sharks half Nicho Hynes should be similarly first picked and after his treatment in Origin selection in recent years, could be vindicated with a polished performance alongside Nathan Cleary.
Penrith duo Dylan Edwards and Isaah Yeo should both be in the squad, yet the fullback is far from a certainty despite yet another season of astonishing numbers at the back for the Panthers.
After the tortuous recovery undertaken by Melbourne Storm’s Ryan Papenhuyzen and his brilliant return to form this season, his new perspective on the game and the humility in playing it again makes him a perfect candidate for selection.
Josh Addo-Carr is having a stunning 2024 with the Bulldogs. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Something similar could be said of Josh Addo-Carr. Displaying impressive leadership qualities with the Bulldogs and an appreciation of team that many stars fail to grasp throughout their entire careers, his form has been scintillating and his presence in the Blues camp certain to be positive.
Teammate Stephen Crichton, Penrith’s Liam Martin and South’s Cameron Murray are three others that fit the mould Maguire appears to be seeking to use.
Selection is always based on performance, but not performance alone and I for one would be more than pleased to be represented as a New South Welshman by some of the names above; players selfless and driven to the cause at the expense of their own involvement in any success.
Getting the balance right in the NSW squad will be key for Maguire. Let’s hope that balance features the men of character he claims to prefer.