Granty
23-05-2006, 07:09 AM
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,19224092-23214,00.html
Call for Blues to target rookies
By Brent Read
May 23, 2006
FORMER New South Wales hard man Mark Geyer has called on the Blues to resort to old-fashioned strong-arm tactics in an attempt to unsettle Queensland's seven rookies in tomorrow night's opening State of Origin game.
Geyer yesterday pinpointed the Maroons' debutants as a possible weakness the Blues could exploit, as they try to open the series with a win at Telstra Stadium.
Geyer also claimed that forward Willie Mason was destined to go down as one of the all-time greats, should he inspire NSW to victory in this year's series.
Mason will play a crucial role as leader of the NSW pack tomorrow night and Geyer believes he and his fellow forwards should do everything in their power to take the Maroons' first-gamers out of their comfort zone.
Queensland has seven players making their maiden Origin appearances: Greg Inglis, Steven Bell, David Stagg, Matthew Scott, Dallas Johnson, Sam Thaiday and Nate Myles.
"The fact that there's seven young blokes making their debut, the Blues would be silly not to try some intimidation against them," Geyer said.
"This is our backyard. Our blokes have to know we're not going to get any sort of reception when we go to Suncorp Stadium.
"This will be our chance to get off to a good start."
Mason, in career-best form, has been earmarked by Blues coach Graham Murray as the man to inspire the NSW pack.
It's an honour Mason is relishing and one Geyer believes he can use as a springboard to greatness.
Few players are considered all-time greats in the Origin arena even fewer forwards have entered the pantheon of legends.
Geyer believes Mason, preparing to play his fifth Origin game, could join them if he has a big series.
"If he can lead the Blues to a series win this year, he's destined to go down as one of the all-time greats," Geyer said.
"He's the man that's got to lead. I think Willie is the closest thing we have got to a Carl Webb. He's got it in him. He's in career-best form, he's now a leader."
A NSW win could hinge on its ability to handle two of the Maroons' stars - halfback Johnathan Thurston and hooker Cameron Smith.
While Darren Lockyer has been singled out as the dominant force in the Queensland side, Smith and Thurston could cut NSW to shreds, if the Blues focus too much on the Maroons captain.
Smith has been in outstanding form with Melbourne, prompting coach Craig Bellamy to recently brand him the best player he has coached.
"I didn't realise he had so many strings to his bow," Geyer said.
Thurston has led North Queensland to a share of the lead on the NRL ladder and leads the Dally M count, an award he won last year.
Geyer yesterday compared Thurston with a young Laurie Daley, the current NSW assistant coach and one of Origin's all-time greats.
"They both take the game by the scruff of the neck and aren't worried about reputations," Geyer said.
"I think he's got to be watched, for sure. If they don't watch him, they're in for big drama."
Several coaches yesterday outlined the best way to contain Thurston: keep the clamps on the Queensland forward pack.
If that fails, the message was simple: beware the Thurston show-and-go.
The Cowboys half has become a master of throwing a dummy, stepping off his right foot and leaving bamboozled defenders in his wake.
"NSW have to be careful not sliding too far and going off Thurston," Sharks coach Stuart Raper said.
"He'll kill you with that right-foot step."
Penrith coach John Lang praised Thurston's kicking game and the potential danger presented by his combination with North Queensland and Maroons teammate Matt Bowen.
"He's just a good all-round player," Lang said.
"He's a very adaptable sort of footballer. The guy that is on Thurston has to focus on Thurston. Trying to get the guys to do that is so hard."
The Australian
Call for Blues to target rookies
By Brent Read
May 23, 2006
FORMER New South Wales hard man Mark Geyer has called on the Blues to resort to old-fashioned strong-arm tactics in an attempt to unsettle Queensland's seven rookies in tomorrow night's opening State of Origin game.
Geyer yesterday pinpointed the Maroons' debutants as a possible weakness the Blues could exploit, as they try to open the series with a win at Telstra Stadium.
Geyer also claimed that forward Willie Mason was destined to go down as one of the all-time greats, should he inspire NSW to victory in this year's series.
Mason will play a crucial role as leader of the NSW pack tomorrow night and Geyer believes he and his fellow forwards should do everything in their power to take the Maroons' first-gamers out of their comfort zone.
Queensland has seven players making their maiden Origin appearances: Greg Inglis, Steven Bell, David Stagg, Matthew Scott, Dallas Johnson, Sam Thaiday and Nate Myles.
"The fact that there's seven young blokes making their debut, the Blues would be silly not to try some intimidation against them," Geyer said.
"This is our backyard. Our blokes have to know we're not going to get any sort of reception when we go to Suncorp Stadium.
"This will be our chance to get off to a good start."
Mason, in career-best form, has been earmarked by Blues coach Graham Murray as the man to inspire the NSW pack.
It's an honour Mason is relishing and one Geyer believes he can use as a springboard to greatness.
Few players are considered all-time greats in the Origin arena even fewer forwards have entered the pantheon of legends.
Geyer believes Mason, preparing to play his fifth Origin game, could join them if he has a big series.
"If he can lead the Blues to a series win this year, he's destined to go down as one of the all-time greats," Geyer said.
"He's the man that's got to lead. I think Willie is the closest thing we have got to a Carl Webb. He's got it in him. He's in career-best form, he's now a leader."
A NSW win could hinge on its ability to handle two of the Maroons' stars - halfback Johnathan Thurston and hooker Cameron Smith.
While Darren Lockyer has been singled out as the dominant force in the Queensland side, Smith and Thurston could cut NSW to shreds, if the Blues focus too much on the Maroons captain.
Smith has been in outstanding form with Melbourne, prompting coach Craig Bellamy to recently brand him the best player he has coached.
"I didn't realise he had so many strings to his bow," Geyer said.
Thurston has led North Queensland to a share of the lead on the NRL ladder and leads the Dally M count, an award he won last year.
Geyer yesterday compared Thurston with a young Laurie Daley, the current NSW assistant coach and one of Origin's all-time greats.
"They both take the game by the scruff of the neck and aren't worried about reputations," Geyer said.
"I think he's got to be watched, for sure. If they don't watch him, they're in for big drama."
Several coaches yesterday outlined the best way to contain Thurston: keep the clamps on the Queensland forward pack.
If that fails, the message was simple: beware the Thurston show-and-go.
The Cowboys half has become a master of throwing a dummy, stepping off his right foot and leaving bamboozled defenders in his wake.
"NSW have to be careful not sliding too far and going off Thurston," Sharks coach Stuart Raper said.
"He'll kill you with that right-foot step."
Penrith coach John Lang praised Thurston's kicking game and the potential danger presented by his combination with North Queensland and Maroons teammate Matt Bowen.
"He's just a good all-round player," Lang said.
"He's a very adaptable sort of footballer. The guy that is on Thurston has to focus on Thurston. Trying to get the guys to do that is so hard."
The Australian