After the controversial send off of Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i in game one, New South Wales are on the lookout for a replacement at centre. Thankfully for coach Michael Maguire there are some quality options. So, let’s analyse the three leading candidates to replace Sua’ali’i and help the Blues bounce back and win their first series since 2021.
1. Matt Burton
Burton is the popular choice for many Blues fans. The former Panther is having one of his best seasons to date, scoring eight tries and with four try assists so far. He has been a major contributor for getting the into the top eight at five-eighth, not at centre. A huge positive for Burton is his strong connection with the current and former Panthers players who make up a huge part of the New South Wales side.
Burton’s kicking game also sets him apart from the other candidates. The ‘Burton Bombs’ are almost impossible to defuse and could be a great momentum shifter in the Origin arena where mistakes are few and far between. His previous Origin experiences are mixed. When he played for NSW in 2022, he was impressive in game two scoring a try and kicking well, however was sin binned for fighting Dane Gagai in the decider.
Matt Burton is the favourite to be selected due to being 18th man for game one, but there are other options that provide different skills to the role.
2. Latrell Mitchell
One of the most unpredictable players in rugby league, Latrell Mitchell has proved he can be a key factor in an Origin series winning side. He proved this in 2021 when New South Wales last won an Origin series, scoring four tries in the centres and causing havoc on the edge.
However, Latrell has been inconsistent ever since and he could be a liability if picked. The Souths fullback hasn’t played in the centres for a number of years and like Burton may struggle to adjust moving back onto the edge. Mitchell definitely has the talent, but is he still up to playing high intensity football like State of Origin? That is something coach Michael Maguire is going to have to make the call on this weekend.
3. Bradman Best
Best is the only player in this list that is currently playing centre in club football. That is what sets Bradman Best apart from the others, he is getting reps at the centre position every week.
There is potential for Best to be rusty, he hasn’t played since round 11, so his first game back against the Panthers may decide his Origin fate. A stellar performance against many of his potential Blues’ teammates from Penrith could be the difference maker in Madge’s decision making.
Verdict
So, who do you think Madge will go for? All three options have their pros and cons, but Matt Burton seems to be the favourite. It is a big decision that could potentially swing this series New South Wales’ way, so it is a major decision to make.
Picking the right man could help the Blues come back in the series, but picking the wrong man could have disastrous consequences, like it did in game one with Sua’ali’i.
