NSW legend Tommy Raudonikis has backed the new-look VB Blues Origin team, believing Laurie Daley’s squad has the manpower, size and skill to win the 2017 series.
“I think it’s a good side – I really think we can get the job done,” Raudonikis, who will call Origin I for 2GB radio, tells www.NSWRL.com.au.
“With that side I think we will win the game through the backs and the forwards. In fact, I reckon we can get them right across the park.
“We’ve got a good, powerful forward pack and some really capable backs.”
Raudonikis had previously questioned the capabilities of VB Blues halfback Mitchell Pearce, but he believes the star Roosters playmaker will get the job done for Daley in 2017 – against a Queensland side that has him scratching his head.
“He’s in great form, Mitchell, and he’s been playing such good football for his club,” Raudonikis says.
“I just can’t believe Queensland left out Billy Slater.
“I thought that was a big blue, a really big blue.
“He’s a great player, Billy Slater. He can turn a game very quickly and pull something out of nothing. I think they’re going to rue the day [they didn’t select him].
“They could have played [Darius] Boyd on a wing and [Dane] Gagai in at centre – why didn’t they do that?”
