Brad Fittler dropped his NSW Blues side for Game 1 in Melbourne next week, so I thought I’d run the rule over the 17.
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Fullback: James Tedesco
Pretty easy pick here, Tedesco probably has the best running game of any fullback not named Billy Slater. He’s got fantastic footwork, is lightning fast, and is bigger than you think (180cm, 96kg). Only downside is his ball playing, and considering the outside backs Fittler has picked, that could become an issue.
Wing: Tom Trbojevic
Possibly the most talented player in the Blues back seven, but also prone to a mistake from time-to-time. He’s big, strong, and fast, and only 21 years old. I’m not sure if he’ll have much of an impact on the wing in attack, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he chips in around the ruck from time to time. If this kid doesn’t play 20+ Origins in his career, I’ll be very surprised.
Centre: Latrell Mitchell
I love this pick. Latrell Mitchell is the closest thing NSW has to Greg Inglis (well, except for Inglis himself, but that’s another issue). The kid has the ability to take the game by the scruff of the neck, and has scored a number of fantastic individual tries already this season. Possibly hasn’t shown the ability to perform for a full 80-minutes yet, but hopefully the blue jersey will instill that in him.
Centre: James Roberts
The first guy that has a question mark over him. Roberts is fast, but the Origin arena doesn’t give you many chances to show off your blazing speed. I’m also not sure about his defensive ability to deal with Greg Inglis for 80 minutes. I would have picked Bega’s Euan Aitken here.
Wing: Josh Addo-Carr
What a story this is. Addo-Carr has gone from playing reserve-grade with the Tigers to being one of the best wingers in the competition in three short years. If Tom Trbojevic and James Roberts are fast, this guy is lightning. He’s leading the NRL try-scoring list, and is second in line-breaks.
Five eighth: James Maloney
There were some whispers around Maloney potentially losing his spot this year, but he is the safest option NSW have in the halves. He’s not flashy, but he’s solid, safe, and he wins. It feels like this man has featured in every NFL Grand Final since 2011. He’s suspect in defence, but the forward-pack should cover any cracks he has.
Halfback: Nathan Cleary
The youngest kid in the squad is also the most important. Every NRL fan has been impressed with Cleary’s skill and poise at such a young age, but can he translate that to the pressure of Origin football? If he fires, NSW win, but I’m worried the moment may get the better of him.
Prop: David Klemmer
David Klemmer is a throwback to the days of Paul Gallen and Greg Bird: a guy with a bit of mongrel in him that’ll relish the chance to get under the Queenslanders’ skin. This guy is one of the best in the NRL at driving the legs after initial contact, and he’ll lay a solid platform for the halves to work with.
Hooker: Damien Cook
This was probably the most controversial position in the lead up to Origin. There were three or four guys with legitimate claims to the number-nine jersey. I think they’ve made the right decision in the end, but neither Apisai Koroisau or Cameron McInnes would have let their sides down either. Cook has blinding speed out of dummy half, and if he can take advantage of quick play-the-balls, he’ll give the Maroons headaches.
Prop: Reagan Campbell-Gillard
This man is a monster. There aren’t too many guys in the NRL who go harder both with and without the footy. Campbell-Gillard and Klemmer should get right on top of the QLD forward-pack in the first 20-25 minutes.
Second Row: Boyd Corder ©
It’s funny that the captain of the squad is also the most controversial selection. Cordner hasn’t been in the best of form this season, but he’s always done a job for the Blues. He runs good, hard lines, and always aims up in defence. However, I probably would have picked Josh Jackson or Wade Graham instead of Cordner for this one.
Second Row: Tyson Frizell
This one’s a no-brainer. Frizell has arguably been the best second rower in the competition this season, and looked very comfortable in the Blues’ jersey last year. His speed and strength on the edge will trouble QLD all night.
Lock: Jack de Belin
Jack de Belin is definitely in my 17, but he shouldn’t be starting. de Belin is one of the best defensive forwards in the competition, but I’m not sure he offers enough with the ball to warrant his spot in the starting 13.
Interchange: Paul Vaughan
Paul Vaughan should have been picked last year, and he finally gets his chance in the Origin arena. Once Campbell-Gillard and Klemmer have finished their shift, here comes another man mountain to batter the forward pack. Good luck Queensland.
Interchange: Jake Trbojevic
This man should be in the starting 13. Trbojevic has all the skills you’d want from a forward. He runs great lines, he’s a good ball-player, and he hits hard. He’s also a genuine 80-minute forward who can play any position. He’s probably the best lock-forward in the game right now, so I fully expect him to be in the run-on side next week.
Interchange: Angus Crichton
Another somewhat surprising selection. Crichton burst on to the scene last season, but hasn’t had the same impact in 2018. When he’s on, he’s one of the most damaging edge-runners in the competition. Hopefully we see that version of Angus Crichton. I wouldn’t have minded seeing Tariq Sims in this spot, purely because of his defensive work.
Interchange: Tyrone Peachey
The obligatory utility pick on the bench, Peachey can play every position on the field. He probably won’t see the field until the last 15 minutes or so, but he’ll have a chance to use his size and speed to torment the tired forwards.