State of Origin: Who the stats say should line-up in the halves for New South Wales

Andrew Lucas

State of Origin: Who the stats say should line-up in the halves for New South Wales image

With the teams for State of Origin one named in just over a week, the great debate which rolls around in New South Wales is no closer to being resolved.

That's right, we are still no clearer as to who will wear the six and the seven for the Blues at the MCG on June 6.

Legendary former coach and player Phil 'Gus' Gould surprised many on Monday telling Channel Nine's 100% Footy that James Maloney isn't locked in for the Blues as previously thought.

While the likes of Luke Keary and Cody Walker are in contention, Parramatta halfback Mitchell Moses' name has also been thrown in.

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That's despite Moses' Eels currently sitting last with only two wins from ten games.

So, with a host of experts and a whirlwind of fans putting forward their halves selections for game one, it's time to see what the stats say.

Sporting News takes a look at which of the sixes' and sevens' have been in the best form in 2018.

THE CONTENDERS

JAMES MALONEY

Games: 11

Tries: 2

Assists: 10

Team's current position: 2nd, 16 points.

Stat that matters: 75 Missed tackles, 1st in the competition- by far!

State of Origin experience: 9 games.

Verdict: Maloney's move from Cronulla to Penrith has been a winner for the club. After Nathan Cleary was injured in round three, the 31-year-old has carried an injury-ravaged side to second on the ladder, only behind the Dragons. The Penrith half has set up 10 tries and crossed the line for two of his own, while his goal-kicking is currently at 84%. Maloney is a creative player and a calming influence on a team and it's no surprise success follows him. However, his Origin selection chances are hindered by two key factors. He has missed 75 tackles - over 20 more than anyone else this season - while he hasn't been able to bring a series home for the Blues in the past. He is the most experienced half heading into game one for the Blues. Pick him!

 

NATHAN CLEARY

Games: 4

Tries:

Assists: 4

Team's current position: 2nd, 16 points.

Stat that matters: Goal-kicking

State of Origin experience: 0 games.

Verdict: Ahead of the 2018 season, Cleary was seen as a serious contender for the Blues number seven jersey, however a knee injury which saw him miss two months of footy has hindered those chances. At just 20-years-old with only 45 games under his belt, his inexperience could hold him back from being selected for what can be an intimidating Origin arena. The young Panthers halfback is goal-kicking at 92% and is averaging a try assist each game. Cleary made a strong return in Thursday's win over the Tigers and will have one more game to press his claims. Worth a punt.

 

LUKE KEARY

Games: 9

Tries: 2

Assists: 10

Team's current position: 6th, 12 points.

Stat that matters: 10 Try assists

State of Origin experience: 0 games.

Verdict: After a delayed start to the season, Keary showed promise early on once returning, although his form has dropped off in recent weeks. Keary, at his best, is a star with his running game and pace making him lethal up the middle and on the edge. With 10 try assists, one more than his million-dollar halves partner to go with two tries, the 26-year-old is showing why he is in career-best form. However, the crafty little halfback does have a tendency to drift out of games and averages over one mistake a game. Definitely an option.

#Luke Keary

MITCHELL MOSES

Games: 10

Tries: 1

Assists: 7

Team's current position: 16th, 4 points.

Stat that matters: 44 Missed tackles, 5th in the competition.

State of Origin experience: 0 games.

Verdict: What can we say? Despite battling form issues in a team which sits last on the table with just two wins from 10 games, Moses' name has been thrown into Origin contention. NSW fans cringed at the thought he could be picked for this year's series. While the 23-year-old is a talent and could feature in years to come, 2018 is not the year to try him. He has seven try assists for the season with several of those coming in a demolition of Manly, but is ranked fifth in the competition for missed tackles with 44. He has also had discipline issues which has seen him sent to the bin twice this year. Cannot feature this series.


CODY WALKER

Games: 10

Tries: 7

Assists: 7

Team's current position: 5th, 12 points.

Stat that matters: 17 Errors, 3rd in the competition.

State of Origin experience: 0 games.

Verdict:  Walker has consistently been one of South Sydney's best in recent seasons contributing with several big plays both in attack and defence for his team. In 2018, Walker has scored seven tries to go with seven try assists showing his danger close to the line. He is a big reason behind the Rabbitohs sitting on the top half of the ladder. However, Walker's 17 errors this season is his achilles heel while he hasn't featured in the pressures of State of Origin footy previously. Wouldn't look out of place. 

#Cody Walker

ADAM REYNOLDS

Games: 7

Tries: 0

Assists: 7

Team's current position: 5th, 12 points.

Stat that matters: 2710 kick metres, fifth in the competition.

State of Origin experience: 2 games.

Verdict: Reynolds has been there before and well and truly knows what the rigours of Origin hold. However, there are reports Freddy is looking to give the Blues team an overhaul which will not work in his favour. The 27-year-old has also been hampered by injury this season and does not look one-hundred percent. Reynolds is averaging one try assist and is fifth for kick-metres with his kicking-game a major weapon for his team. At his best, there is no doubt Adam Reynolds is a star. Not this time Adam.

 

MATT MOYLAN

Games: 8

Tries: 0

Assists: 4

Team's current position: 8th, 10 points.

Stat that matters: 19 Errors, equal most in the competition.

State of Origin experience: 3 games.

Verdict: Moylan has been well below his best after moving from the west to the shire. He's found himself regularly interchanging between the halves and fullback in an inconsistent Sharks side, while also missing multiple games through niggling injuries. The 26-year-old is immensely talented but his 2018 season has been hampered by errors (2.4 per game) and conceding penalties (1.1 per game). Although Moylan has performed in the past for NSW, he doesn't look anywhere near the form which initially got him picked in 2016 with only four try assists. Won't feature this year.

#Matt Moylan

Queensland have won 11 of the last 12 State of Origin series.

In the last decade, the Blues have used a whopping 14 different halves combinations in 30 State of Origin games compared to just seven by the Maroons.

So what will 'Freddy' do?

Andrew Lucas

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