Sterlo: Give Dogs duo their own series

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Now that Laurie Daley has made the bold decision to go with Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds as his halves pairing, I hope he tells them they are there for the series.

Not necessarily a public declaration, but a private assurance and show of faith that he has complete confidence as to what they are poised to achieve.

Facing the biggest game of their lives the Canterbury pairing will understandably be very nervous about the assignment they have been handed. There may even be some deep-seated doubts as to whether they are up to task.

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Blues halves Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson are all smiles during a NSW State of Origin training session. Source: News Corp Australia

That is why going into next Wednesday night with the knowledge that win, lose or draw and fitness willing they will be there for game 2 in Sydney, would be a huge psychological boost and make their run-on Origin debut so much more assured.

After all, I think it is safe to assume that whatever they produce in the cauldron that is Suncorp Stadium, they will be much better for the experience.

There is also a degree of responsibility to the players, who in some ways are having their careers put on the line. We have seen in the past the likes of Jarrod Mullen and Terry Campese struggle to recover from being discarded after just 80 minutes.

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It is not easy to overcome not only the disappointment involved but also the dent to the confidence by being dropped and the subsequent perception of failure.

Coach Daley has had a long time to decide on this Blues squad and that should in itself lend to a minimum of changes through the campaign outside of injuries and suspension.

Fortunately NSW has been much better in this regard in recent times.

Back in 2009 and 2010 we used a mammoth 30 players through the three matches, while in 2012 it was 21 and last year 22.

Selection for Trent and Josh is just reward for the role they have played in elevating the 'Dogs to sole competition leaders after seven consecutive victories.

With so little time for preparation a club combination is highly advantageous but it still won't be easy to play behind a forward pack that will not enjoy the dominance that the Canterbury front six have of late.

In their favour is the competitive nature that both exhibit, albeit in different ways.

Reynolds wears his heart on his sleeve and is a livewire full of energy keen to be involved in every play. There can sometimes be a rush of blood but I was always coached that if you are going to make a mistake, make it doing something positive.

100 GREATEST ORIGIN MOMENTS: BEST STINKS

Josh Reynolds celebrates with Trent Hodkinson after he kicked a winning field goal against the Rabbitohs. Source: News Corp Australia

Hodkinson is the yin to his yang. Every successful duo needs a straight man and he complements his five-eighth beautifully.

He appears completely unflappable and well aware of the parameters that his individual game falls within. The well documented injury battles that he has fought and overcome will ensure that this opportunity is fully appreciated.

Both are suited to Origin football.

They also hit the ground running with a video session taking place at Sydney airport on Tuesday afternoon while waiting for their flight to Coff's Harbour.

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As we approach game 100 it caused me to reflect on my debut game way back in 1981.

That was the second ever game and when leading 15-nil after as many minutes at Lang Park I didn't think this new Origin football was too difficult.

That was until a number of "unknowns" named Wally Lewis, Mal Meninga, Chris Close, Rod Morris and co. started to take control, turning that 15-nil deficit into a 22-15 victory.

I hope Trent and Josh enjoy a more successful initiation.

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