Author: Rebecca Locke

Queensland's new coach Billy Slater The opponent followed Brad FitlerInitiating new blood and making some daring calls at the election table, the Titans dumped the star to lead it. David Fifita Opener of the State of Origin series.

Slater calls six debutants - cowboy young guns Ruben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Murray Toulagi And Jeremiah Nanai, Broncos duo Selwyn Cobo And Patrick Carrigan. Dearden will be the 18th man to be in the Taualgi reserve when the teams run out at Acre Stadium next Wednesday.

Slater's biggest surprise came after a successful return to the Gold Coast second-row after a knee injury against Brisbane last Friday. The Titans then announced that they would be out anyway after the injury escalated.

Fitzgerald, while announcing the names of his 22-member squad, called for a surprise election for Origin I. Daniel Tupu, Ryan Matterson And Niche hynes With the consent of the Blues Stallwarts ahead Josh Ado-Kar, Jack Trobozevic and Angus Crichton.

He continued to raise eyebrows with his Game-Day lineup Jack Whitton To start at the center, send the debutant Stephen Crichton Bench and Highness 18th man as utility.

Experienced forward Tyson Frigel Missed the cut, the Knights landed for reserve with a teammate Jacob SaifitiPanthers Hooker Opi Koroisau And Roosters young guns Joseph SwallowWho was brought into the extended NSW 22-member team to gain some experience staying in the camp.

With the home and away seasons half over and lots of teams competing for the top four and top eight positions, we can create the first detailed report card for each team so far for their campaign.

This report card is based on the expectations of each team's position at the beginning of the season.

Adelaide Crows: 4.5 / 10

Adelaide has reasonably performed with three wins and eight losses. There have been some good performances, including a stunning win against Richmond. They have competed in several games that have not been able to break down completely.

Brisbane Lions: 8/10

They are in a tough position. Nine out of 11 have won. It looks like they could rise to the top four at the end of the season. Hawthorn damage can come though bites.

Carlton Blues: 7.5 / 10

They have been impressive. Eight of the 11 have won, including several close runs. The list of injuries continues to grow, especially defensively, which can disrupt the rhythm. Collingwood's loss can also be said in the final analysis.

Collingwood Magpies: 7/10

At this stage, where most commentators were Collingwood, the Magpies did well in the first half of the season, winning 11 of six. A much more interesting play style is a key factor in the change of seasons of the past. Their victories against Fremantle and Carlton were very impressive, but they could be deprived of final action due to a weak rate near the West Coast.

Ascendant Bombers: 2/10

It was a very bad first half of the season compared to many early-season fans, with only two wins and nine losses. Lack of confidence, injuries and lack of 'brand' in their game plan are all responsible factors.

Fremantle Dockers: 8/10

Fremantle's win over Melbourne was the best in the club's 27-year history after two consecutive drops. They are in a good position to start bids for the top four with eight wins and three losses. They show a well-balanced aspect to the experience of youth as well as height and speed experience.

(Photo: Paul Kane / Getty Images)

Geelong Cats: 7/10

Sitting at Geelong 7-4, has been patchy from good. The best of them is still strong when the forward line fires. They have had some very good wins, including against Collingwood, but weak rates to Hawthorne and Fremantle have hit their cause. As always, they're on track for the finals, but one suspects they're not the top-four element.

Gold Coast Sun: 6/10

They have certainly improved in 2022, especially towards the end, and are now on the edge of eight with five wins and six defeats. A great win against Fremantle indicates their improved performance and condition.

Greater Western Sydney Giants: 3/10

With three wins and eight losses the coach left, the final is good to watch and really out of reach. The wheels seem to have fallen off in recent weeks.

Hawthorn Hawks: 5/10

Despite their four wins and seven defeats, there is a lot to like about Hawthorn. They have had great wins against Brisbane and Geelong and have run very close to Melbourne. The rate near the Gold Coast highlights the inconsistency of the team at its development stage.

(Dylan Burns / AFL photo via Getty Images)

Melbourne Demons: 9.5 / 10

Eventually they had to suffer that loss. Defeat to Fremantle will probably be a good encouragement for the rest of the year, and any seemingly self-indulgence in a timely reminder is unreasonable. It remains to be seen whether the necklace to Fremantle was just a holiday or whether the chinchillas of the armor were exposed. Ten wins and one defeat in the first half of the season is outstanding.

North Melbourne Kangaroo 1.5 / 10

For the Kangaroos, the situation on and off the field is getting worse and worse, with bad losses increasing, coaches between the walk-outs of their recruiting staff and the increasing pressure. From here it is much longer, with only one win to show from 11 outings.

Port Adelaide Power: 5/10

After a bad start to the season, Port Adelaide is gaining some momentum and is now sitting on five wins and six losses. With the logjam of the teams in front of them, it is quite possible that they will be deeply remorseful for their late start.

Richmond Tigers: 6/10

Richmond is somewhat inconsistent, with some good wins - for example, against the West Coast - non-stop due to some bad defeats to Adelaide and Carlton. Their loss to Sydney could be costly. And similarly the loss of Tom Lynch, who was in red-hot form. Their four-week winning streak was a reminder of how good they could still be. With six wins and five losses, one would think a place at the bottom of eight would be clearly possible.

(Photo via Cameron Spencer / AFL Photos / Getty Images)

St. Kilda Saints: 8/10

The Saints Hall is another surprise packet of the season. They are performing well with eight wins and three losses. They are coming together, playing with confidence and they have a lot of talent, especially in the big-man division led by Max King. The Sterner test would seem to be ahead.

Sydney Swans: 7.5 / 10

The Swans have been leveling up a bit late, though their win over Richmond was brilliant. With seven wins and four losses they are still a threat for the top four. The combination of their youthful vigor and wise old heads is working well.

West Coast Eagle: 1/10

They are having a terrible season on almost all fronts. With one win and ten losses, their season was nothing short of train wreck. Injuries, illness and lack of discipline of the players have played a role. The coach is under a lot of pressure.

Western Bulldogs: 5.5 / 10

With six wins and six defeats, the Bulldogs are not where they thought they would be at the start of the season. Their campaign has been punctuated by inconsistencies, and they are now looking for a place in the eight as part of the team's logjam.

Late last year I launched the Positive Busy Ratio (POPE) player rating system Roar And applied it to select a 2021 NRL team of the season

POPE's debut shows interest, indifference and 'What about this guy?' Made a mixture of it. Regardless, I thought I'd give it one more run now that we've reached the halfway point of 2022.

Even if you are already familiar with POPE, it is important to reconsider what it is and, importantly, what it is not.

POPE is not a comprehensive standard measure. For example, it does not capture the kicking value of Adam Reynolds or fully appreciate Isaiah Your quarterbacking.

POPE is an impact measurement, a combination of statistics widely available to the public that each NRL player can collect in significant numbers. Contributions that facilitate offensive play and pointscoring carry more weight than bulk attack and defensive stats. Since different players collect numbers differently, comparisons are only valid within the positional category.

Why is it like this? The widely available rugby league statistics are not very good at explaining the difference between Isa Yo and Josh Jackson. They are all nuts and bolts and no architecture.

But we can do something useful with them. POPE is a rugby league nut and bolt that is expressed in single numbers. That number is an abstraction. A score of 520 means a 5.2 net positive engagement every 80 minutes of play. I just jazz it up a bit.

To qualify for a team, players must exceed the average playing time in their positional division. And without further ado, here is the mid-season NRL team.

1. James Tedesco, Sydney (738 POP)

Lateral Mitchell almost broke the POPE formula last season and if he can get back on the field he can do it again. Tom Trbojevic has apparently been done for years. It has been Tedesco, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Daylight in 2022 so far.

Like Dylan Edwards, Tedesco never stops running, but with the same effort he produces much more aggressive output. Edwards moves a little ahead of Tedescore every 80 minutes. Tedesco attempts double tackle brakes, triple line breaks and more than double.

Honorable mention: Ryan Papenhuen, Melbourne (730)

James Tedesco (Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images)

2. Ronaldo Mulitalo, Cronulla (705)

It is reasonable to conclude that Mullito's arch over the rest of the NRL wings behind the next person on the list is his accomplice in the crime at the deadly left end of Cronulla.

But the numbers indicate that this is a symbiotic relationship. They complement each other on both sides of the ball. The next best winger-center combination, Valentine Holmes and Murray Toulagi, combine quite well in attack but have to fight much harder to defend.

Honorable mention: Selwyn Cobo, Brisbane (674)

3. Joseph Talakai, Cronulla (637)

Here he is, man of the time. Even amid the recent slump in form, divorce has blown the field in the first 12 rounds. If you've seen this coming, introduce yourself.

Raw numbers reflect what is registered with the eye. He is not only a destructive ball runner, he can be utterly destructive. He’s not just size and brute force, he’s got decent speed, footwork and soft hands.

This type of player rarely maintains this type of performance for long periods of time. Some may think of Tony Carroll as one of the most shocking and scattered defenders of the mid-1990s. Conrad Hurel flinched but finished in the Super League. Let's hope the divorce can continue.

Honorable Mention: Valentine Homes, North Queensland (573)

(Photo by Jason McCauley / Getty Images)

Justin Olam, Melbourne (592)

Despite being temporarily ousted from power last season, Kendra Raja has maintained his great form.

Moses Sully of St. George's Elvara has matched and even surpassed Olam in several statistical divisions, but Olam is a good defender and can pass the ball on the defensive line and effectively. It makes a difference.

Honorable mention: Moses Sully, St. George Ilawara (564)

Alex Johnston, Souths (682)

You may have noticed that one of the three-quarters mentioned so far moves all the way to the left end. Is it the normal tendency of the team to attack from right to left and then return to the left edge of their opponent, where most teams keep their strong winger?

Johnston Slick in the south with a further 11 tri-registers so far in 2022 met the right-to-left attack. But he is much more than that. Although Daniel Tupau (664) has a higher work rate, Johnston covers him in terms of carry per run meter. Josh Addo-Carr's number (639) has dropped since he moved to Canterbury, but last year he wasn't doing anything else.

May cause defense problems. Whatever the case may be, it will be interesting to see why Johnston rarely rates it in the State of Origin time.

Honorable Mention: Taylan May, Penrith (666)

(Photo by Mark Colby / Getty Images)

Cameron Munster, Melbourne (553)

Towards the end of last season, Cody Walker advanced to the POPE Awards when Munster dropped out of the finals and fell into disgrace in the off-season.

How the tables turned upside down. Munster's back and New South Wales fans are very nervous. Paramatman Dylan Brown is the only stand-off, hoping to catch him, all things being equal. Walker is eroding in seventh place at 473.

Honorable mention: Dylan Brown, Paramatman (531)

Niche Highness, Cronula (529)

Jahrome Hughes would come here again but due to an injury that made him miss the qualifying cut-off. Mitch Moses and Ben Hunt are even better helpers, but no one can cope to save their lives. Adam Reynolds does not have an ongoing game of Hynes.

Looking at the number of Hynes, it looks like he is playing a fullback half. He, I guess. So is Jahrom Hughes. Interesting time at halfback.

Honorable mention: Daily Cherry-Evans, Manly (490)

(Photo by Mark Colby / Getty Images)

8. Josh Papali, Canberra (502)

Papalii and Joseph Tapine are statistically the best front-row combinations in the NRL. I would like to go for Tapin in his current form, but the numbers show that Big Dad is more efficient than the two. He made a more positive impact during his play, including a more effective second-round game. It reads like my experience.

Honorable mention: David Klemer, Newcastle (494)

Harry Grant, Melbourne (473)

The half position of acting is changing. Most don’t run much because they spend most of their time connecting with ‘quarterbacks’ like Yeo, Victor Radley or Jack Trobozevic or because they are capable of hitting a moving target from a distance, such as Reed Mahoney (407) and Blake. Braille (428).

Grant changes straddles. Only Damien Cook and Reese Robson run the ball high, while no one is good at hitting a running target.

Honorable Mention: Damien Cook, Souths (459)

(Photo by Chris Hyde / Getty Images)

10. Payne Haas, Brisbane (502)

No question Haas is one of the best props in the game. The question in recent days is whether he is 300,000 better than the rest of the elite.

Haas's biography is all about impact, and he can maintain a high-impact running and defensive game longer than anyone. Someone might give him money to stay after him, but they would be mad to pass two years.

If I could run a team that could somehow open a Premiership window and have over $ 850,000 to spend on a high-impact prop, I'd throw it at Nelson Asofa-Salomona.

Honorable mention: Adin Fonua-Blake, New Zealand (492)

William Kikau, Penrith (499)

Kikau made his name as a destructive ball runner and he is still there. Although this is only part of his contribution to Penrith. His links with Jerome Louie and Stephen Crichton are seen in the quality statistics of the game, as is his defensive contribution.

Kikau and Liam Martin missed a lot of tackles. Louis and Nathan Cleary don't have to do much. It seems to work. Kikau and Martin don’t bother too much about completing the tackle; They are disruptive. More on this in the next article.

Honorable Mention: Luke Garner, Wests (479)

Luciano Leilua, Westes (480)

Here's a surprise. Leilua defeated David Fifita, Ryan Matterson and Jaden Sua because they all missed the cut. He also defeated Jeremiah Nanai and Isaiah Papali by a single point, among others.

Leiluer is a mix of big meter eaters like Matterson, Tom Gilbert and Helium Luke and even better defensive back-rovers like Luke Garner and Tyson Frigel. He looks like a good sign for the Cowboys, with Gilbert Radcliffe and Lucy still on the go.

Honorable mention: Isaiah Papali'i, Parramatta (478)

Isa Yo, Penrith (462)

I've already said a lot about the nice Yeo. The pope does not do him justice. If Jason Toumalolo had played another 15 minutes in the first 12 rounds, he could have stayed on top of the POPE.

Honorable Mention: Tino Fa'asumaleui, Gold Coast (462)

In 2019, the Minnesota Vikings became the youngest player in NFL history to record 50 sacks (25 years, 40 days old) in the career of EDGE racer Daniel Hunter. Now, three years later, Hunter is waiting Come back Player of the Year.

Beginning in the summer of 2020, Hunter was plagued by a number of injuries, both of which ended before the season. During the summer before the 2020 season, he hit his neck, causing him to miss all epidemic seasons. After that, Hunter returned in 2021 but played only seven games against the Dallas Cowboys on Halloween night, tearing his pectoral muscles.

Hunter's injury is the same as the Vikings' win-loss record. Former head coach Mike Zimmer's defense was not the same without Hunter. From 2015 to 2019, firmly on the defensive mix with Hunter, Minnesota defensive EPA / Player took first place in the NFL. In 2020, without Hunter, the Vikings dropped to 25th on the same metric.

The difference was not an external one. Before Hunter lost in the 2021 season, Minnesota was sixth in the NFL in defensive EPA / play (weeks 1 through 8). Starting at Week 9, without Hunter, Zimmer's defense sank again, this time at 23rd (Weeks 9 to 18).

Hunter will try to recover with new coaching staff this season, as Zimmer was sacked in January. With a fancy new 3-4 defense led by defensive coordinator Ed Donatel, Hunter will team up with free-agent signer Jaderius Smith to oppose quarterbacks in September.

And Hunter's comeback Player of the Year prospects are somewhat remarkable. Per Covers.com, Hunter Hall to win a +1,200 Maniline Award. He is the 11th potential candidate for this honor.

Interestingly, Hunter is the only defensive player in the top 13 CoverIts odds to make a list. Next up is Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters at +1,400.

Missing from list? Za'Darius Smith mentioned above. He, too, embarked on a return tour, fleeing the state of Wisconsin for Minnesota in 2022. Smith missed most of the 2021 season due to a back injury, hoping to regain his 2020 performance but this time with a different NFC North team.

The last four CPOY winners were quarterbacks, so there were ups and downs between Hunter and Smith.

• 2021 = Joe Twelve
• 2020 = Alex Smtih
• 2019 = Ryan Tanhill
• 2018 = Andrew Luck

Hunter and Smith begin their return tour against the Packers on September 11 at US Bank Stadium. According to most sportsbooks, Green Bay favors two points.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to her daily YouTube channel, VikesNow. She Hosts a podcast With Bryant McKinney, which airs every Wednesday Raun Sai And Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking Fandom dates back to 1996. Listed Criminal Pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, 'The Sopranos' and The Doors (Band).

Cameron Munster has said he will not join the Dolphins next year and is unlikely to leave Storm when Craig Bellamy, as Melbourne coach, hits a bitter blow to Wayne Bennett's hopes of luring the Maroon star to Radcliffe.

Munster, ranked fifth-eighth against NSW in the opening match of next Wednesday's State of Origin series at Acre Stadium, has been targeted by the expansion team as a potential marquee signature.

He is under contract with Storm until the end of 2023, and his agent, Braith Anasta, has expressed frustration with the financial terms of the club's offer to extend his contract.

Several clubs, including Dolphin, are willing to pay a lot of cash to get him if he leaves Melbourne next season or the following year.

However, Munster Maroon said in the camp that his choice was to stay with the club where he had won two Premiership rings under Bellamy.

"I like playing with Craig and I know he likes to keep me as one of his players," he said.

"As long as Beliache is still at the club, I don't see myself leaving.

“I haven’t done it (good football) less in the last few years; But I'm in good form and would love to go out and play well.

“I just want to be consistent; I'm getting big money, when I don't play well there is speculation, (people ask) 'Am I worth that money?'

Munster is ready to take ownership of the Origin Arena, admitting that he was "just hoping" for the shortcomings of last year's Queensland series.

(Photo by Robert Sianflon / Getty Images)

After last year's infamous white powder scandal, he spent a month in a wellness facility dealing with gambling and alcohol problems, almost costing his Melbourne NRL deal to check himself and blow up the bill.

The 26-year-old returned to pre-season training in career-best form and still in the midst of a club-imposed alcohol ban, was reflected in Camp Maroon ahead of the opening match of the series next Wednesday in Sydney.

"I went to the hangover on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, didn't put much input into the club (storm)," he said.

“And then Thursday, Friday is coming good and playing on the weekends. Last year (at the time of origin) I was in the game and out just in the hope that it would happen.

“This year is a different story; A little fit and excited to bring a little more leadership to my role. "

Storm's former teammate and rookie coach Billy Slater said the plan would be to give Munster as much power as possible.

"She is OK. I don't know how important the series is to him, but he's in a really good place right now, "said Slater.

“Happy off the field with partner and new baby. It has helped him on the field and he has worked really hard in the last six to eight months. "

(Photo by Mark Evans / Getty Images)

Maguire's replacement Siraldo Favorit refuses to accept coach's dismissal

Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis has refused to guarantee that Michael Maguire will remain as coach after a mid-season review of the club or any other staff member on the matter.

Panthers assistant coach Cameron Siraldo Maguire is the favorite to take charge if the Tigers show him the door even though he will probably not be available until next season.

Football chief Tim Shins is analyzing all aspects of the club after another bad campaign.

West are 4-8 in 15th place and are sure to extend their playoff drought for another year after not reaching the final since 2011.

"Shall I guarantee someone a job (following review)?" Hagipantelis says on SEN radio. "Whether it's the role of head coach, commercial head or CEO? No. I will not guarantee that.

"Right now, we're a little disappointed at where we're sitting at the table.

“Do we need to change anything? I doubt we do.

“We'll just leave it to the great man to come back and report to us. We'll see what he brings back. "

Join Taukeiaho Dragon

Sydney Roosters prop Siosiua Taukeiaho has signed a two-year deal with the Catalan Dragons and will leave the Bondi club at the end of the NRL season.

The 30-year-old prop played more than 150 games for the Tricolours and won two Premierships - 2018 and 2019 - and two World Club Challenges in 2019 and 2020.

"Sydney roosters have been my home for almost 10 years," Taukeyaho said. “The club and its people will always be very special to me.

"There's been some special time and I'm looking forward to making the rest of this season."

Gold Coast Jave 13 kicked off a club-record score of 18 goals to create a new 67-point winning margin against Hawthorne, making the final eight berths somewhat lively.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs continued to destroy the West Coast Eagles - how did Collingwood lose to them? - 18 goal scorers equal to the league record and just six points behind their club record in the winning margin.

The half mark of the season did not buy the expected degree of certainty.

While Melbourne's defeat could be cited as the reason for their loss, it would not reduce their chances of climbing to the top of the ladder, as they had already created a buffer. They are still the best team to tour, and the Dockers have made a good coup. They have scored four points against the Demons, which no other team has been able to, and this should put them in a better position at the end of the home-and-away season.

Collingwood's surprise win over Carlton due to a shoulder injury suffered by backman Jacob Waitering in the first quarter kept their hopes alive, as they are now out of eight and have the same number of wins as the Western Bulldogs (eighth) and Richmond (eighth). Ninth). Port Adelaide and the Gold Coast Suns are one game behind and will look to be the only other team with a chance to play in September.

Friday night's game was the expected tight affair that statistics said it would be, and the difference at the end of the day was friends. His five goals earned him the Goodes-O'Loughlin Medal for best performance on the ground, and the rest of the weekend did not go well, although Lincoln McCarthy (Brisbane), Toby Green (GWS), Jeremy Cameron (Geelong), Lachie Schultz (Fremantle), Aaron Naughton (Western Bulldogs) Charlie Curnow (Carlton) and Jack Darling (West Coast Eagles) all managed to snatch four.

Lance Franklin brought back memories of his big push and made us realize that there may still be some memorable milestones left before he leaves the scene. He is now just eight goals behind Gary Ablet, who ranks fifth on the AFL All-Time Top 100 Goal Scorer and with 11 matches (or possibly ten) and a possible final or two, he may be able to climb Sydney's all-time leading scorer. Currently ranked sixth on the scoring list and has surpassed the top three names ever to play for the Swans: Tony Lockett (19 goals ahead), Adam Goods (21) and Barry Hall (24).

Although Buddy did not advance to the goal-kicking list this round, his Sydney teammates did. Sam Reid passes to Kieran Jack and Ben McGlynn on three goals and is equal to Simon Minton-Connell; Will Hayward (two) equals Dennis Carroll; Tom Papley is equal to Jude Bolton; And Luke Parker is equal to Steve Hoffman.

Among the four baggers on the AFL Top 100 Goal Scorer list, Jill surpassed Jeremy Cameron Bill Hutchinson of Geelong, 1940s and 50s Ascendant Champion Rover, who won seven Ascendant Best and Most Beautiful awards, played two Brownlow Nadals and ten Grand Finals, four of which Has finished in the Premiership. Cameron has yet to make it into the Cats' top 100 list, but in weekend form he is sure to be there by the end of the season.

Another four-bagger to top the club's list was Lachi Schulz, who outscored Ryan Murphy and Daniel Pierce to equal Tendai Majungur, while Lincoln McCarthy overtook Jack Sherman and Tom Rockleaf to equal Lewis Taylor.

One of the hallmarks of Graham Arnold's time in charge of the Socceroos was the amazing squad selection that confused pundits, alumni and national team supporters.

The recent announcement of a friendly match against Jordan and a World Cup play-off match against the United Arab Emirates has raised more questions than answers.

Jason Cummings was such a player that many were hesitant to discuss national team responsibilities. I even wrote an article on it late last year.

However, after arriving on the Australian coast in January 2022 and showcasing his talent, it is unimaginable that Cummings will not be selected.

Coach Graham Arnold shared some insights into his decision during a recent press conference.

"Jason Cummings, I see him as a player and he's just like Jamie McLaren," he said.

"He's very different from the tags (Adam Taggart) and (Mitch) Duke and (Nick) D'Agostino, but I see him as Jamie and Jamie is the top scorer in the A-League."

Arnold's response was overwhelming, and could be disputed following a more confident journalist coach following the claim, who became well-known for making offensive remarks to the press while in charge of the national team.

Simply put, Jamie McLaren and Jason Cummings are two very different types of strikers.

McLaren is your prototype 'Fox in the Box' striker who will be on par with the last defender before running a darting across the area or expecting a defensive error in the hope of being in the right place at the right time for a simple tap in.

Cummings is equally adept at the box and also capable of hitting targets from a long range, but it is his rate of work that sets him apart from McLaren.

(Photo by Ashley Federer / Getty Images)

In addition to being comfortable and having the strength to hold the ball to the back of the goal, Cummings chases defenders very little out of possession and makes himself a complete nuisance this past season while still adhering to the defensive structure of the tough Mariners.

No doubt Jamie McLaren is the best local striker in the A-League, having won the regular Golden Boot this past season, but his 2021-22 figures are very favorablely compared to the Cummings campaign.

McLaren played 27 games and finished with an average of 16 goals per 154 minutes.

He has taken 85 shots with 38 targets for an overall conversion rate of 18.82 percent.

Cummings played fewer games (21), finished with fewer goals (10) and took about 20 minutes extra time to score one goal every 172 minutes.

However, he took much shorter shots (43) for a good overall conversion rate of 23.26 percent and got a higher score (29) on goal.

Both players have been undisciplined throughout the season, winning as well as betting on the Cummings foul, but that record is tied when it comes to card counting.

Cummings' pass percentage is 81 percent, ahead of McLaren's 71 percent

The Edinburgh-born Hitman's off-field behavior regularly makes tabloids in his native Scotland, but he has become a role model for the team's young up-and-coming strikers because of the family-like culture the Mariners are known for.

Graham Arnold played it safe with his squad selection in preparation for a World Cup qualifier so some X Factor might be needed.

Jamie McLaren has enough chances and chances to be No. 9 in Australia. This is a position that has not yet been adequately filled since the days of Mark Bidokar

Jason Cummings may not be good enough for that position, but his statistics alone this season claim at least one call to be part of the camp.

Looks like we'll never know if he's the answer to the troubled No. 1 position because of an old national team coach trying and sticking to the test, where Australia are on the verge of being knocked out of the World Cup qualifiers.

The main parties in the state are always seen with hints of controversy, mystery and deception as the trainers try to pull the fur over each other's eyes. Of course this year is no different, both squads have now been released and unusually early.

Bring it on to why and why not every player named to hit the park next Wednesday night in Sydney and tear it up.

Today, it's the Hometown Blues.

1. James Tedesco

Why? Went there, did that. Squad captain and a proven performer at the top level. An elite fullback at the top of his game.

Why not? Change is as good as a holiday. A healthy Ryan Papenhuizen is breathing on this man's neck. He will probably be occupied for the next year or so.

2. Brian To'o

Why? This guy is a perfect bowling ball when he runs full steam to almost anyone. In addition to building huge meters from the blues end, he has game-breaking ability to be a flashy finisher in his single effort and at the end of a good game inside.

Why not? Little Man Syndrome. With two Queensland wings dominating the Dominative (comparatively) Toe, a target in the aerial battle of the Blues Tri-line will be behind him and above his head.

3. Cotoni Stags

Why? The Stags have long been identified as the next man in the controversial center pair. A powerful ball runner and a lockdown defender, Kotoni was built for Origin.

Why not? There is always a question mark over whether a self-proclaimed goal can be achieved and Queensland will send him everything he can to work defensively and hang up his offensive skills. Stags will feel the pressure of a lot of performances, as he will probably not be there to hurt other players.

(Photo by Matt Roberts / Getty Images)

4. Jack Whitton

Why? Quickly becoming an experienced preacher at the Origin level, Whitton provides an old head on the young shoulder. His versatility in both center or half play, as he did in Game 3 last year, gives coach Brad Fitler some options for disaster strikes on game day.

Why not? Whitton has not been his former Daly M-winner lately. At the club level his defense left much to be desired, and Queensland must know it. He is an amazing selection considering the talent of the other centers of the squad.

5. Daniel Tupu

Why? The three long sticks in the back are almost always a winning formula at the origin level. With six feet, five inches and the ability to jump to match an NBA player, Tupu would be dangerous behind a very accurate Nathan Cleary kicking game.

Why not? Tupu lacks game-breaking capabilities, an X-factor that is very important at the origin level. He’s a strong performer but not out of your traditionally glamorous that improves the spotlight. Josh Addo-Carr With this jersey lock down it will feel a little missed year after year.

6. Jerome Louie

Why? In partnership with fellow Penrith Panther Nathan Cleary, Louie formed half of the game's most dynamic six-seven combos. His ability to open a game in the twinkling of an eye is unparalleled and always proves to be a handful for any opponent, including Queensland.

Why not? Louie's ad-lib footy doesn't necessarily fit into the mold of a true original half. Origin games are a crush, and it only takes one small error to offload the opponent's pressure mountain and accumulate it on your own team. There is no place for fire and brimstone in its neat, chubby nature.

(Photo by Mark Colby / Getty Images)

7. Nathan Cleary

Why? Field General. Cleary has matured much earlier than many half and, at the age of 24, already has a first pick basis from the original. His kicking game, tactics and ability to catch a match are perfectly suited to the Origin arena.

Why not? Great question. Something about his father not being a coach. I honestly can't blame this guy. He is immeasurable.

8. Smile on the feet

Why? Big, strong, resilient, and fit - these are just some of the goal setting shareware that you can use these days. The Origin War begins with the big boys up front, and Haas is made for this kind of conflict. He will start all the game and not stop.

Why not? Due to the recent contract negotiations for Payne and the unrest at Clubland, some have questioned whether he would be confused about the three biggest games he will play this year. Coach Freddie reassured the hosts NRL 360 That his election was not confirmed on Monday night until he himself heard from the man that it would not affect their camp.

9. Damien Cook

Why? A big-game player who has been there before, he has a great record on the big stage. He has locked down the No. 9 jersey with his speed outside the dummy half and leading across the park, and has not missed a game since being elected for the first time in 2018.

Why not? The Api Koroisau-Penrith connection will always be large as long as Cleary and Luai are between the halves.

(Photo by Queen Rooney / Getty Images)

10. Junior Paolo

Why? An absolute battering ram like the modern-day Mark O'Malley, this block is a sight to behold throughout the flight and will be in front of the house with a pained smile to flatten any of Queensland's enthusiasm among the forwards.

Why not? Fortunately for the junior, some bad form and ongoing injury problems for current NSW prop Daniel Sifiti have opened the door for another crack in the big time for Paolo. Compared to both Daniel and his 2021 prop partner Jack Trobozevic, Paolo is less dynamic with the ball in hand and the Maroon forwards will line him up a mile away.

11. Cameron Murray

Why? First of all, he's going to look great in all media fluff because maybe the second-rower looking for the best of the comp. Cam is a guy who works well on his weight and doesn't take a step backwards. His extreme fitness means that when the big boys get tired he will become a handful towards the end of the game.

Why not? Is lack of size something that can be filled as a middle forward at the origin level? He's certainly not Tyson Frigel's ball runner, nor is he the size of bench player Reagan Campbell-Gillard.

12. Tariq Sims

Why? After the sky blue jersey, Tariq always seems to be able to put aside the bad team performance at the club level. He struggled to get back on the team last year after being absent in 2020 and was instrumental in winning the blues series early. An old hardhead that doesn't think anything of a tweet.

Why not? Tariq looks good to become a standout player from a bad side. Does he really deserve to start more than anyone else on the squad or on the bench? I don't think so.

(Photo by Chris Hyde / Getty Images)

13. Isaiah Yo

Why? He is holding the best lock in the game at the moment. Not only did he get all the work Locke expected in both attack and defense, but his ability to play ball at number 13 was unmatched. With his Panther friends Cleary and Louie, he will find a field. During the daytime control in the middle of the field, his friends cut and spread them.

Why not? This bloke is a product of the success of his team and their system. If Louie and Cleary go down, Yeo will have trouble matching up with any new half-pair that doesn't understand how they fit into their game plan.

14. Stephen Crichton

Why? Cricton has been scheduled for some time to select an origin. His versatility for playing in all the outside back positions makes the Blues sit up pretty much when he gets injured while playing. Otherwise his strike and speed late in the game will be invaluable when he can come and tear the tiring Maroon pack to pieces.

Why not? He covers the outer back, but this number 14 jersey traditionally goes to a guy who can show off the moon as a half or even a pseudo backrower or hooker. This election flies in the face of that argument. And if coach Fitler sees a problem, it wouldn't be a big surprise to see Nico Hynes coming.

15. Liam Martin

Why? Under the current blues structure this guy is very unlucky not to be running out in an early jersey. Another hard-working midfielder, the opposition has softened, and the connections that Martin will make with his Panther teammates could be fatal to his addition to Caldron midway through the first half.

Why not? This roster has more experience in the extended squad. And sometimes that's exactly what Origin is all about, especially if you want to get off the bench. He doesn’t bring the same punch as the other options on the attack.

16. Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Why? Large and mobile, the RCG has the potential to bring some great excitement from the bench and loves the thought of running a tired forward in the middle. He is responsible for breaking the line from time to time as well - a fugitive attempt that we want from the long-legged prop.

Why not? He was away from the Origin Arena for a while, playing a game at the 2018 MCG. He will probably have to take care of himself to stay in the spotlight in order to get a place in the team due to injuries to other important players.

17. Ryan Matterson

Why? This guy got it. He is one of the best of the forwards this year and has joined some of his teammates who have jumped in previous years. Another hard worker in the middle will contribute to the success of the Blues. No stress, young friend.

Why not? A debutant always does a little extra checking, especially with experienced forwards with a good origin pedigree in the extended squad. There will be a point to prove it, but there are things to try very hard.

All in all, this blues squad certainly has the potential to continue the NSW dominance of recent years, with depth and experience across the park.

For both New South Wales and Queensland, the State of Origin teams have been named this week, with nothing more certain than to question who is inside and who is outside.

This is especially true of the Blues and coach Brad Fitler, who made some changes to his 2021 squad that led to Game 1 of the series. Several key players, including Lateral Mitchell and Tom Trobozevic, are missing due to injuries. There have been some amazing inclusions like Daniel Tupu, Jacob Saifiti and Joseph Swalley. Holding the scars of Tyson Frisel and Tariq Sims has also confused people.

Then there are things that people can't stop talking about. The decision to drop Jack Trobozevich seems to be more comfortable with fans than the decision to drop Josh Ado-Carr, a player who has been a Blues stallwart for years.

There is also some confusion about Jack Whitton's choice to start at the center, a position where he has very limited experience, above an experienced center like Stephen Crichton who will step down from the bench.

But after Freddie included a record-breaking 11 debut in his first year in charge of the Blues in 2018, and since then any other Blues coach has an equal-to-win percentage, I have learned better than question his ability to make decisions and coach, although his choices are confusing. Maybe.

While there has been a lot of focus on Tupau's decision to drop Ado-Car, there are some other decisions that have not received the same attention.

As a Paramatman fan, I was very accustomed to a few things as the team had been down the stairs for most of 2010. Firstly, my team is not playing final football and secondly, the lack of players selected for representation.

Both trends have changed in recent years, with Ellis consistently playing final football and more players being selected to play representative football. Junior Paolo, Mitch Moses and Clint Gutherson have all been selected as part of the recent Blues squad, and Reed Mahney has also been selected as part of the Queensland Maroons Camp.

This year Eels has continued to feature in the Blues squad but, most notably, Ryan Matterson and Reagan Campbell-Gillard have also been selected.

This is Campbell-Gillard's first state since his solo appearance in 2018.

Campbell-Gillard is a player who has certainly faced challenges in his career. After being elected in 2018, his jaw was broken. With 10 screws and two plates on his jaw from surgery, he was excluded from the rest of the NSW campaign.

It took some time for Campbell-Gillard to find form after recovering from that injury and in 2019 he spoke openly about his challenges.

But since moving to Iles in 2020, he has become an important part of Pales as well as the Iles Forward Pack.

He has been rewarded for his positive form with Ellis and will be a strong addition to the Blues forward pack.

Joining him is his Ils teammate Matterson.

After his impressive form over the last six weeks, Matterson has done enough to be selected and Fitler is another good example of not being afraid to pick players who are in form for his team. In his first eight games of the year, Matterson made three tries, three line breaks and averaged over 150 runs per game.

He has been able to show the versatility of moving from the middle to the edge and has been able to play the role of ball player as well as being an effective offloader.

Matterson came to know about this during an interview with Channel 9 on Monday, to which he had the following reaction.

"Are you serious?" Am I really playing? My man Freddie, thank you, "he said.

"Huli Dooley, wow."