By Kevin Braysher

With another explosive State of Origin series behind us, now is the perfect time to reflect on the 2016 edition of rugby league’s showpiece event. The Queensland Maroons wrapped up their 10th series win in 11 years, a feat we’re unlikely to see ever again, while the Blues pulled off a famous win in game three to send their retiring skipper out a winner. It was a series that had controversy, the arrival of new stars and three of the hardest fought games of rugby league we will see all year. Let’s take a look at what it all means.

To the Victors go the Spoils

2016 should have been the year Queensland came back to the field. With two games in Sydney it should have been the year that the Blues took Origin by the scruff of the neck and regained the ascendancy because the Maroons had plenty working against them. For the first time since 2005 they were without the legendary Mal Meninga at the helm, they banned eight players from selection during the pre-season, they lost the likes of Billy Slater and Will Chambers to injury and were without the recently retired Justin Hodges. Add to that the fact that Queensland’s stars are all another year older while the Blues were fielding plenty of young, hungry stars of their own and the Queenslanders were well and truly up against it. Yet, the Maroons were seamless. Corey Oates and Justin O’Neil debuted in the backline and were faultless across the three games. Darius Boyd took over Billy Slater’s fullback duties and was nearly the player of the series, while coach Kevin Walters steered the ship with aplomb, guiding the Maroons to their 10th series win in 11 years.

They did it with the Queensland spirit that has been made famous over many decades. It didn’t matter the odds, the Maroons refused to let the man next to him down. “Do it for your mates, do it for your state” was Cam Smith’s message before game one and it rang true throughout the entire series. The defensive display in game one was one of the best in origin history as they clung to a 6-4 win away from home, while the guts on display in game three was arguably even better. The Blues had 60% of possession and a 12-3 penalty count in their favour, yet the Maroons came within seconds of stealing victory. Queensland’s crop of legendary players can’t play on forever, but if they can continue to instil the core values of what has made them so successful over the last decade to the next generation (desperation in defence, never giving up, discipline on and off the field and the understanding that what they do is important to the entire state) they will be leaving the team in good hands.

Hope for the Blues

You’ve got to feel for the NSW players, sometimes. In this writer’s opinion, you couldn’t have asked much more from them this year when it comes to effort. In game one they nearly broke themselves as they threw everything they had at a Queensland defence that would not budge. In game two in front of a hostile Suncorp Stadium crowd they clawed back late and were literally fingertips away from snatching an unlikely victory, while in game three they dug down deep and found a way to go the length of the field in the final minute and score the late match winner. The courage and effort was there all along; they just fell agonisingly short when it mattered most. Yet, they were savaged throughout the series by many of their own fans and media for suffering yet another series loss. The extended run of losses obviously adds to the frustration of those criticising the playing group and one win in 11 years is unacceptable, but you can’t question their effort or commitment and there is plenty of good to come out of the 2-1 series loss.

The Blues blooded eight debutants this year, many of whom showed they are more than up to it. Tyson Frizell is going to be an Origin star for years to come. Matt Moylan and James Tedesco are two of the most exciting players in the competition, while the kicking game of Adam Reynolds was an extremely welcome addition. The return of James Maloney paid dividends as well as he put together the best series by a Blues half in a number of years and the likes of Aaron Woods and Josh Jackson were excellent in the middle of the field, as well. With those players alone the Blues have the nucleus for success moving forward, while their last gasp win in game three should give them the belief they need to get the job done.

Best of the Best

Cameron Smith, playing his 14th origin series, took out the Wally Lewis medal for an unprecedented fourth time. He also picked up man of the match for the sixth time in game two and he broke the all-time record for State of Origin appearances. He has now played an incredible 39 origins and should be around for another couple of years to take it beyond 40. It’s unbelievable to think that anybody could be playing at the pinnacle of the sport for as long as he has and still be the very best in that arena. Wally Lewis will forever be the definitive legend of State of Origin, especially in Queensland, but Cameron Smith’s record is getting undeniable. If Wally Lewis is the greatest Origin player of all time, can anybody really argue that Cameron Smith isn’t number two?

A Look Ahead

Both sides are set for some changes in 2017. Paul Gallen has played his final State of Origin, meaning the Blues need a new skipper. The leading candidate is probably Aaron Woods, but with the Blues likely to name a very young team, I would be giving the captaincy to an elder statesman. James Maloney showed this year why he should never have been dropped from Origin in the first place and his experience in grand finals as well as the Origin arena makes him the perfect leadership contender for the Blues. I expect to see Maloney lead a very young Blues side, with many of the eight debutants from this year retained. I think the Trbojevic brothers, Ryan James, Bryce Cartwright and Nathan Peats are all in line for call ups as well. The wildcard is Jarryd Hayne. Should he return to the NRL in 2017 you would have to back him to be in the Origin team. The question then is how does he fit in? With three fullbacks already in the Blues backline for game three, can they afford to squeeze in another one?

Queensland will have some headaches, too, but there is absolutely no reason to think Queensland won’t be just as good, if not better. Will Chambers will return from injury and come straight back into the team at right centre. The eight players suspended during the pre-season – including special talents like Cameron Munster, Anthony Milford and Valentine Holmes – will all be available for selection, and they might even have the services of Billy Slater again. It’s hard to imagine that Slater will come back to Origin after essentially missing two whole seasons of football through injury, but he is arguably the greatest fullback of all time and you should never doubt a champion. The big question mark is how do they replace Corey Parker? There is no ready-made replacement and they will have to either move an edge forward or a prop into the lock position. My tip is that Josh McGuire moves to lock and Dylan Napa gets his long awaited Origin debut off the bench.

Kev’s Picks

QLD Player of the Series – Darius Boyd

Cam Smith aside, Darius Boyd was Queensland’s most consistent player. Stepping into the shoes of Billy Slater should be more daunting, but Boyd was faultless. Made the fullback jersey his own and barring a miracle comeback from Slater he will wear the Maroons number 1 jersey until he retires.

NSW Player of the Series – James Maloney

Man of the match in game three and the best performance across the series from a NSW playmaker in many years. Should never have been dropped after a strong series in 2013 but made the most of his return. The first Blues halfback to win man of the match since Andrew Johns in 2005.

QLD Debutant of the Series – Justin O’Neil

O’Neil edges out Corey Oates and Gavin Cooper because he exceeded expectations. Only came into calculations after the retirement of Justin Hodges, a long term injury to Will Chambers and suspensions to Cameron Munster, Valentine Holmes and Edrick Lee, but took his opportunity with both hands and excelled. His defence was particularly impressive.

NSW Debutant of the Series – Tyson Frizell

Frizell was left out of the team in game one and two and only came into the side when Wade Graham was suspended, but instantly showed that he should have been there from the beginning. He scored in games two and three, was dangerous whenever he ran the ball and made a famous chase on Dane Gagai in game two. Will wear Blue for a long time.