The verdict is in but the jury is still out.<br><br>Former NSW State of Origin hookers Max Krilich, Steve Edge, Benny Elias and Mario Fenech remain torn over the Blues’ dummy-half battle this year, with Fenech and Elias nominating Robbie Farah, Krilich picking Michael Ennis and Edge claiming he still can’t split them.<br><br>You’ve got to pity the selectors!<br><br>One thing the quartet can agree on, however, is that the Bulldogs’ win over Farah’s Wests Tigers last Friday night didn’t change a thing.<br><br>While most believe that Farah brings a range of skills to the table that the Blues desperately need as they seek to avoid a fifth-straight series defeat in 2010, Ennis has the advantage of being the incumbent after helping NSW to a brutal game three win over their Queensland rivals last year.<br><br>“I think Michael Ennis is considerably ahead if for no other reason than he was there last year,” said Manly great Max Krilich, who played five games for NSW and captained the side in 1982 and 1983.<br><br>“One of the biggest problems NSW has had over the years is that they keep chopping and changing their team.<br><br>“They need to start showing some loyalty to these guys and give them some time to play together.<br><br>“You don’t see Queensland doing that – no matter what’s happening at club level they’ve always stuck with the guys that have been there before and done the job. So I think Ennis has to be there.<br><br>“He was exceptional in that third game last year and I think he has earned his spot.”<br><br>However, both Elias and Fenech disagree – claiming NSW needs a player that can provide some attacking spark if they are to cause Queensland enough headaches.<br><br>“It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Robbie Farah but I’m always looking for players that can make something happen,” Elias said. “That goes for every position – not just hooker.<br><br>“Robbie is one of those guys that can do something freakish on the field. He has a great passing game, his running game is second to none and he can kick the ball as well as anyone.<br><br>“Against Canberra a few weeks back he produced a 40-20 at a crucial time that helped turn the game – that’s what Robbie Farah brings to the table.<br><br>“I’m a firm believer in picking players on form and although I’ve got great respect for both players I think Robbie is in better form than Michael Ennis.<br><br>“I’ll tell you right now – if I was starting a new club and had an open cheque book, Robbie Farah would be my No.9.” <br><br>Fenech agreed.<br><br>“Taking it over the first six rounds I would certainly say that Robbie Farah would be in front by quite a margin,” he said.<br><br>“Obviously Michael is known as that real Bulldog-type, tough player… but I don’t think Robbie gets the credit he deserves there.<br><br>“He is very skilful and has a great kicking game but he is tough as well.<br><br>“ I’d have no hesitation in having him play for my team, that’s for sure.<br><br>“I just think he deserves a chance. I know a lot of the old-school players have said, ‘Oh Ennis has got that toughness that you need’ but it’s not all about toughness.<br><br>“To play in the Origin arena you’ve got to have great skills as well and Robbie has certainly got those.<br><br>“I like both players but to be honest, calling it as I see it, Robbie Farah is a long way ahead of Michael Ennis.”<br><br>The battle between Farah and Ennis has certainly polarised opinion and the relationship between the pair has bordered on antagonistic at times.<br><br>Such battles are what makes rugby league the great game that it is so it came as no surprise that Farah v Ennis dominated headlines in the lead up to last week’s clash between their respective sides.<br><br>In the end, Ennis came away with two tries and the win, but even that hasn’t helped everyone make up their mind with Steve Edge – the Blues’ maiden Origin hooker back in 1980 – insisting the duel will go right down to the wire.<br><br>“I don’t think there is a split hair between them,” he said. “Even the other night, although Canterbury came away with the points, I don’t think there was anything between Ennis and Farah.<br><br>“In my opinion they’re both Origin players but don’t ask me to pick one just yet – I don’t think we’ll know who is in the lead until the selectors sit down to pick the side for Game One.”<br><br>The mystery continues.
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