The two names thrown up by Sporting News fans the most during the 2016 Origin series are both a chance for NSW in 2017, according to recently-installed Origin advisor Peter Sterling.
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Having been given the job of searching out the next batch of talent for the NSW emerging Origin camp – seven of the eight Blues debutants in 2016 came through the system – Sterling has been running his eye over current and former Origin reps.
“I was really interested in the Four Nations tournament and from New South Wales’ point of view I think it was really good,” Sterling said Monday.
“Merrin, Cordner and those guys were fantastic but I’ve just got to slow things down because Origin is a little way off.”
Blues fans have been calling for Canberra Raiders wrecking ball Joey Leilua to make his debut – and they just might get their wish.
“I don’t know if anyone had a better season than Joey Leilua last year,” Sterling said.
“He hadn’t made the mark that he could have and should have at the Roosters and Newcastle but certainly Ricky Stuart found the key. He had a fantastic year and if he can start the season as he finished last year, he’d be hard to leave out of any line-up.”
Another one on Sterling’s radar is Titans forward Ryan James, who claimed the Paul Broughton Medal as the Titan’s best for 2016 and finished fifth in Dally M voting.
“He had a great year, I think he set a record for the amount of tries scored by a front-rower,” Sterling said.
“He’s got plenty of good qualities about him and I’m sure that he will come into strong contention – whether it be for the emerging Blues or for Origin – but he’s starting to mature as a player and I see some good things.
“A couple areas of his game are possibly a bit undisciplined that need to be addressed but he’s on the way to being a quality player.”
While Sterling hasn’t spoken to Laurie Daley yet over selections, one thing he is adamant about is that an Origin win against a post-dynasty team wouldn’t be the same.
“I love having them [Thurston, Cronk and Smith]) in the game. I enjoy watching them and I’m happy to beat them,” he said.
“I’m in no hurry to see those fantastic players that provide so much for our game retire.
“If we’re going to win an Origin series I think we’d get more satisfaction out of beating them with their best players in the line-up.”
Queensland host game one of the 2017 series on May 31 at Suncorp Stadium
