Dylan Edwards. Photo: Pauly Foster
IT is just over 3 weeks until the first State of Origin launches at Accor stadium in Sydney. So I thought, like lots of others, I’d predict my NSW 19 man squad for Game One.
Players I have not considered through injury are Liam Martin, Tommy Turbo, Payne Haas, Bradman Best, and Api Koroisau is suspended.
Let’s start with Fullback.
1. Dylan Edwards. Answered (those calling for Tedesco’s inclusion) in the only way he could last weekend, with a man of the match performance scoring a hat trick in the opening 20 minutes against the Knights.
2. Brian To’o. Brian is just about the first back picked for the Blues team these days such is his consistent style of play.
3. Stephen Crichton. Although Katoni Staggs and Casey McLean have been breathing down his neck, his big game presence is a must.
4. Latrell Mitchell. He has been in beast mode the past month and will terrorise whoever the QLDer’s pick to mark him.
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase. “Marky Mark” is an X Factor player, exactly what’s needed for Origin. Other wingers may also feature like Jacob Kiraz if fit, Campbell Graham, and even the Foxx.
6. Mitchell Moses. Probably the one player in this backline who lifts most when wearing the Sky Blue jersey. His long kicking game, in this arena, is a must.
7. Nathan Cleary. Has been in amazing form this season and looks hungrier than ever. Get on him to be the player of the series.
Nathan Cleary. Photo: NSW Blues Facebook
8. Mitch Barnett. Although signing to play with the Broncos next season, the Warriors need him if they are to trouble the top 4 teams.
9. Reece Robson. There have been calls from certain sectors to go in another direction but for mine last year’s incumbent deserves first crack.
10. Terrell May. If not now, when? With Haas out you look to those props who are in great form. Terrell May is always in the top few performers and deserves a Blues jersey.
11. Hudson Young. Is currently the game’s best back-rower and is always up to his eyeballs in action. Can also play in the centres if so required.
12. Angus Crichton. Whilst heading off to union next year this could be the perfect swan song for a bloke who always lifts when playing origin.
13. Isaah Yeo (c) “Yeoy” like his Panther teammates has been in insatiable form this season. He also gets the honour of leading this team into battle.
14. Blayke Brailey. While his Sharks have been indifferent this season, his form hasn’t been. 9 times out of 10 he is his team’s best contributor.
15. Cam Murray. NSW missed his dogged style of play last year when he was on the sidelines nursing a ruptured achilles. He’ll definitely be in the squad, he may even start with Marto out.
16. Jackson Ford. There is always a bolter when the teams are named and he is mine! Currently leading the Dally M medal count, he has improved out of sight and his game is made for Origin.
17. Haumole Olakau’atu. Has been a different player under coach Foran at Manly. If I’m QLD, this dude is the last person I want to see getting up off the bench to take the field.
18. Tolu Koula. Is the beneficiary of the benches being extended to 6. Teams now take a specialist back who can play fullback, wing, and centre, this guy would be amazing in a blue jersey.
19. Adam Doueihi. Again like Koula, NSW will take a bench player with them who can play 6, 7, and 13. Doueihi not only fits that bill but has been in commanding form for the Tigers!
MG (random Westie) OAM
