League: Battle of the big boy backs

Timana Tahu: 1.85m, 98kg. Photo / Getty Images

New South Wales has continued the modern league trend of bigger backs to try to quell Queensland's grip on State of Origin.

The clash of the titans in the backline shapes as a core element of the opening match of this year's series on Wednesday night.

The experiment of bringing 2009 Dally M rookie of the year Jamal Idris on to the interchange, coupled with the return of Timana Tahu and the regular presence of Matt Cooper, suggests the Blues are looking at size to combat the renowned physicality of Greg Inglis, Willie Tonga and Israel Folau.

Gone are centres Michael Jennings and Josh Morris and five-eighth Trent Barrett from the dead rubber win in the third match last season. Winger DavidWilliams still has a shoulder injury.

The theory is that big hits and an aggressive approach against Queensland's centres and wings will see them expend plenty of energy and errors will creep in if they are contained out wide and force passes. It is also hoped it might limit the Maroons' second phase ball which has tended to create plenty of space with runners out wide and off forwards' shoulders.

NSW coach Craig Bellamy agrees he has taken a punt on Idris. There appears to be a hope he will develop into a modern Mal Meninga, perhaps the last Origin back to rival Idris for weight and size.

They need something extra, as the Blues have lost the last four series. Idris has put together some stunning performances in his brief stint with the Bulldogs, starting as an 18- year-old late in 2008. They include controlling Ingliswell in the Bulldogs' win over the Storm last year - under Bellamy's coaching scrutiny.

Idris also put in a strong effort against Parramatta's Tahu a fortnight ago and a solid display for Country in the Origin trial against City. He is fourth on the NRL list for tackle breaks this season.

Warriors assistant coach Tony Iro (and brother Kevin) were relatively big backs when they were world class members of the Kiwis. Iro sees Idris as a potential match-winner.

"He's the type of player who could do something and win a game in a tight situation. Tahu's also always been an outstanding talent [he returns after two years of rugby union] but his selection may have come a little early."

Iro says they've obviously gone for size but wonders if they have maximised their options with test centre Jamie Lyon at five-eighth and Jarryd Hayne on the wing.

"The biggest surprise for me was Hayne not playing at fullback. On form, he demanded to be selected there. If I was the opposition, I'd prefer to see him on the wing than fullback because that way, he has less influence on the game."

Iro has suggested the Blues could use captain Kurt Gidley in the halves to compensate, or start him from the bench.

However, Bellamy says he would prefer to have Lyon at five-eighth, given he spent a good proportion of his 2008 campaign there when Manly won the premiership.

Devout Queenslander Brett Seymour says it's sound thinking to try to negate the power of the Maroons backline.

"They've got to try to capitalize on their win in game three last year. Jamal is an interesting selection but, with Timana in doubt, they could probably slot Hayne to fullback and bring Gidley into five-eighth because Hayne is the best fullback in the game at the moment."

Bellamy is adamant his bigger back theory holds merit, with Cooper and Brett Morris on the left side against Tonga and Darius Boyd, while Tahu and Hayne are up against Inglis and Folau on the right.

Bellamy's tactic confirms the growing trend over the past five years or so to bigger backlines. Centres like Meninga and Kevin Iro were unusual in their day but the likes of Mark Gasnier have since become a common sight in NRL backlines.

Tahu is battling an ankle injury to play his first Origin game since 2006. Trent Barrett and Brett Finch have been brought into the wider training squad to slot into five-eighth if necessary. That could see Lyon move out into his more familiar Kangaroo and Sea Eagles position.

Tahu has previously said it has been a tough time for the state and admitted it was shattering watching the Blues capitulate in his years out of the game. But, with 87 matches played and 44 wins to Queensland, 41 to New South Wales and two draws, the ledger is fairly well balanced - and redemption may not be far away.