With just three weeks until the State of Origin series opener Blues coach Michael Maguire has more than a few selection headaches due to injuries, availability and form.
Injuries to certain starters Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic, and the questionable form of others, leaves the Blues with more questions than answers ahead of naming their first team of 2024.
While Maguire has stated form will play a big role, he’ll need to balance that with picking the players Queensland most won’t want to face, then finding a number for their jersey.
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Read below for our position-by-position breakdown of the NSW Blues selection battle.
Gordy pick his QLG Game 1 team | 02:19
FULLBACK
Incumbent: James Tedesco
Contenders: James Tedesco, Dylan Edwards, Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic, Scott Drinkwater
Analysis: There was major debate swirling around James Tedesco’s future in the Blues’ No.1 jersey last season. However, he’s put any concerns to bed so far this year and has been delivering week in, week out for the Roosters. Despite Maguire making it clear incumbency won’t play a factor in his selections, Tedesco is almost a certainty to get first crack at fullback and continue to captain the NSW team. Dylan Edwards is just about the unluckiest man in rugby league given his brilliant form for the Panthers over the last three seasons — he currently leads this year’s Dally M race — and he will surely come into contention if NSW fail in game one. But to start the series Tedesco deserves another chance given his service to the state and his strong form for the Chooks to start the year. Latrell Mitchell’s struggles this year have seen him fall way down the pecking order for NSW fullbacks, while Tom Trbojevic might miss the entire series with his latest hamstring setback. Scott Drinkwater would be a smokey, but only if Tedesco and Edwards went down injured.
Our verdict: James Tedesco
WINGERS
Incumbents: Brian To’o, Josh Addo-Carr
Contenders: Brian To’o, Josh Addo-Carr, Stephen Crichton, Joseph Suaalii, Zac Lomax, Daniel Tupou
Analysis: The wing spots will once again be hotly contested in 2024, but one player is an almost certainty to be picked. Panthers flyer Brian To’o has again been at his best so far this season and has recorded the second most running metres behind Dylan Edwards. To’o is also a tackle breaking machine and his tough carries out of yardage make him a must have selection in Origin footy. That leaves one spot open and Josh Addo-Carr is the incumbent and has found form in recent weeks. Addo-Carr gives the Blues plenty of speed and try-scoring ability, but his slender frame means he doesn’t offer quite as much out of yardage and in the air. Zac Lomax has been in red hot form for the Dragons and provides more size and height in the air, but he has fallen short in a couple of key selection battles this year, most notably against the Roosters on ANZAC Day. Joseph Suaalii has been a name on many people’s lips, but his form has still been up and down ahead of his switch to rugby union at the end of the year, which could hurt his chances. Daniel Tupou has been a loyal servant of the Blues, but given his age he has slipped down the pecking order. Stephen Crichton won a premiership for the Panthers playing on the wing and given the logjam of talent in the centres, this may be the best way to get all the big names in the backline. Crichton has the speed to play wing and is also a big body for the tough carries out of yardage and he is another target in the air.
Selection: Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton
CENTRES
Incumbents: Stephen Crichton, Tom Trbojevic (Game I and Game II), Bradman Best (Game III)
Contenders: Matt Burton, Stephen Crichton, Bradman Best, Latrell Mitchell, Kotoni Staggs, Izack Tago
Analysis: Stephen Crichton is an incumbent and has never let the Blues down, but switching him to wing gives the Blues options in the centres where they are blessed with talent. The other incumbent Bradman Best scored a double on debut for the Blues in game three last year, but his form for the Knights has been up and down in 2024. Matt Burton didn’t feature in last year’s series, but he had a breakout performance in his debut for the Blues in the centres in game two of the 2022 series. Burton might be playing five-eighth for the Bulldogs and is in strong form, but there are others ahead of him in the halves pecking order. Shifting him back to the centres where he was named Dally M centre of the year in 2022, will get the best out of him, with the calibre of players around him at Origin level and allow him to stick to his running game, which is his greatest strength. Latrell Mitchell is the elephant in the room for the Blues amid reports he wants to make himself unavailable for NSW to focus on his club Souths. However, the Rabbitohs’ season is gone, so if Mitchell wants a trophy this year, Origin is where he can get it. Mitchell was one of the Blues’ best players in the 2021 series playing at centre, which is widely considered his best position. He is the sort of player Queensland won’t want to come up against. Latrell is made for Origin and the series can bring out the best in his game and Michael Maguire would be mad not to tap into his competitive fire in that arena. Especially considering he will already be without Tom Trbojevic due to injury for the first two games at least. Kotoni Staggs and Izack Tago are also in red hot form, but if the Blues want the Shield back for the first time since 2021, they need to partner Burton and Mitchell in the centres.
Selection: Matt Burton and Latrell Mitchell
FIVE-EIGHTH
Incumbent: Jarome Luai (Game I and Game II), Cody Walker (Game III)
Contenders: Nicho Hynes, Matt Burton, Jarome Luai, Cody Walker, Mitchell Moses
Analysis: It’s the big question on everyone’s lips – who’s going to wear the No.6 for NSW? Cody Walker is the incumbent and unlocked the Blues’ attack from five-eighth in Game III last year. However, his form, alongside the Rabbitohs as a whole, has dipped this season and as such he will struggle to find a spot in this team. Jarome Luai was also dropped following Game II last year, but his form has been steady without being spectacular in 2024. Mitchell Moses was widely tipped to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves when everyone was fit, but injuries to both halfbacks has thrown a spanner in the works. Cleary will likely miss the entire series with a hamstring injury, so Moses is needed in the No.7 hot seat. That gives Sharks half Nicho Hynes a shot at Origin redemption. Hynes was discarded after one game of the 2023 series after he missed a crucial tackle late in Queensland’s win in the series opener in Adelaide. However, Hynes is arguably playing better now than when he won the Dally M Medal in 2022 and if there was ever a time to back him to start in the halves it is now. The Sharks are on top of the ladder for a reason and Hynes deserves plenty of credit for getting them there. Maguire needs to pick the best players and find a spot for them and Hynes certainly qualifies given his form this season. Matt Burton is another option in the halves, but he is already picked in the centres.
Selection: Nicho Hynes
HALFBACK
Incumbent: Nathan Cleary (Game I), Mitchell Moses (Game II and Game III)
Contenders: Nathan Cleary, Mitchell Moses, Nicho Hynes
Analysis: Nathan Cleary’s hamstring injury has opened the door for incumbent Mitchell Moses to keep his Blues No.7 jersey after he came in for the last two games of the series last year. However, Moses is yet to return from injury and his comeback has been delayed until Round 12 at the earliest. If Moses proves his fitness in time, his kicking game and goal kicking are a must for the Blues in the pressure-cooker of the Origin arena. But it would be a gamble to pick a player off just a single game back from a lengthy injury layoff. If Moses is not fit, Hynes could shift to halfback and Matt Burton could play five-eighth. But picking Burton would mean reshuffling a lot of the backline to put Crichton into the centres and either Josh Addo-Carr or Joseph Suaalii on the wing. Moses just needs to get through 80 minutes in Round 12 and the jersey is his.
Selection: Mitchell Moses
PROPS
Incumbents: Payne Haas (Game I and Game II), Tevita Pangai-Junior (Game I), Junior Paulo (Game II), Jake Trbojevic (Game III), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Game III)
Contenders: Payne Haas, Jacob Saifiti, Daniel Saifiti, Junior Paulo, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Jake Trbojevic, Stefano Utoikamanu, Mitch Barnett
Analysis: Payne Haas is an automatic selection in this list. The Broncos gun is arguably the best front-rower in the game and is a shoe-in to be in the front row in this team. He missed Game III last year due to an ankle injury, but has played 11 Origin games to date, albeit only winning in four of those appearances. Despite battling a knee injury this season, he’s still be excellent and deserves a spot in this team. Outside of him, Reagan Campbell-Gillard earned an Origin recall to close out the 2023 series, starting at prop in the final game. But he and club teammate Junior Paulo have struggled in recent weeks, with the Eels being bashed through the middle. Both of those players are unlikely to be selected, with Maguire making it clear he’s picking on form. Sea Eagles star Jake Trbojevic is a strong chance of being named at prop and has been strong for Manly in the middle of the park. He is an ever-reliable presence and also a great teammate to have alongside you who will tirelessly defend in the middle of the park. Elsewhere, Warriors gun Mitch Barnett has been in superb form and has thrust himself into the equation. Alongside Addin Fonua-Blake, he’s been the linchpin of the New Zealand forward pack and is deserving of an opportunity at representative level. Elsewhere, the Saifiti brothers have been solid, while Stefano Uotikamanu is also an outside chance of selection.
Selection: Payne Haas and Jake Trbojevic
HOOKER
Incumbents: Api Koroisau (Game I), Damien Cook (Game II and Game III)
Contenders: Api Koroisau, Reece Robson, Damien Cook, Blayke Brailey
Analysis: Despite battling a back injury which has hampered his form, Api Koroisau has been excellent for the Tigers so far this season. He was a huge factor in his side winning two games earlier in the season, but his injury woes have coincided with the Tigers struggling over the past six weeks. Regardless, he’s the Blues’ best option at hooker and could be the only out-and-out dummyhalf Michael Maguire picks this season due to the emergence of a utility who can play at dummy-half and in the middle. Meanwhile, Damien Cook hasn’t been at his best for the Rabbitohs while Reece Robson has also been strong like Koroisau, making the fourth most tackles of any NRL player to date with 390. He’s behind Reed Mahoney, Reuben Cotter and Jake Trbojevic, who are all defensive machines. Blayke Brailey is another contender and has been invited to the Blues’ spine meeting earlier this year alongside teammate Nicho Hynes. He could be included in the squad and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him make his Origin debut in 2024.
Selection: Api Koroisau
BACK-ROWERS
Incumbents: Tyson Frizell (Game I and Game II), Hudson Young (Game I and Game II), Liam Martin (Game III), Keaon Koloamatangi (Game III)
Contenders: Haumole Olakau’atu, Angus Crichton, Keaon Koloamatangi, Tyson Frizell, Hudson Young, Liam Martin
Analysis: The back row battle has been flipped on its head due to the form of one man, Angus Crichton. Since earning back his spot in the starting side for the Roosters, the former Origin representative has been one of the NRL’s in-form players and has put himself well and truly in the shop front for selection. Crichton’s scored five tries over his last three games, inspiring his side to three-straight wins in big scorelines. What’s more is Crichton knows what it takes to deliver for his state, having last featured in the 2022 series. Panthers gun Liam Martin looks the likely man to earn the right edge spot, having shown he thrives in the Origin arena. He was the Blues’ best player in a losing series opener before starting in Game III. He’s a rampaging ball-runner and can match it was rugby league’s best. Outside of him, Sea Eagles gun Haumole Olakau’atu has sat out for two weeks due to a suspension, however he could still find a place in this team on the bench, such is his form and his ability to be an impact player off the pine. He also has several players who could play in the middle around him and the Blues have previously shown they often carry and extra back-rower on the bench. Keaon Koloamatangi has also been solid in an out-of-form Rabbitohs side and was impressive in his Origin debut last year, with his versatility also strengthening his credentials. Tyson Frizell has also been good for the Knights, despite being sidelined for an extended period with an injury, while Hudson Young played Game I and Game II last year and could also be in the equation.
Selection: Liam Martin and Angus Crichton
LOCK
Incumbents: Isaah Yeo (Game I and Game II), Cameron Murray (Game III)
Contenders: Isaah Yeo, Cameron McInnes
Analysis: It’s a horror blow for the Blues, but Rabbitohs gun Cameron Murray has been ruled out of the series opener due to a hip flexor injury. That leaves two players to choose from, and both would be able to get the job done. In fact both could feature in this team due to the versatility of Cameron McInnes, meaning the Sharks gun could feature on the bench. He’s been delivering tireless performances for the Sharks this season, having made the 13th most tackles so far in the NRL this year. However, it will be Isaah Yeo who will wear the No.13 jersey in the series opener and so far in 2024 he has been excellent for the Panthers. He’s got the 18th most offloads, 21st amount of tackles and the 33rd most running metres, putting together and excellent campaign deserving of a start for his state.
Selection: Isaah Yeo
BENCH
Incumbents: Cameron Murray (Game I and Game II), Liam Martin (Game I and Game II), Junior Paulo (Game I), Nicho Hynes (Game I), Stefano Utoikamanu (Game II), Reece Robson (Game II and Game III), Isaah Yeo (Game III), Jacob Saifiti (Game III), Clint Gutherson (Game III)
Contenders: Reece Robson, Stefano Utoikamanu, Keaon Koloamatangi, Tyson Frizell, Hudson Young, Haumole Olakau’atu, Mitch Barnett, Cameron McInnes, Blayke Brailey
Analysis: Should Michael Maguire run with two hookers, one man is leading the race to be included as the No.14. Reece Robson in a struggling Cowboys side, however Sharks gun Cameron McInnes may have pipped him at the post. He’s proven he is ready to bleed for his state and has the perfect attitude to represent NSW. McInnes can also fill in at hooker if need be, having previously featured in the No.9 during his time at the Dragons before shifting into a middle forward role at Cronulla. Keaon Koloamatangi also possesses the ability to play in the back row and in the middle, even being used as a hooker by Tonga at the latest edition of the World Cup. He was strong on debut in Game III last year and has also been solid for the Rabbitohs in a team that’s been performing under par. The 25-year-old is a great option for the bench and truly packs punch with his running game, becoming a perfect man to join a strong middle rotation after starting at prop for Souths at times in 2024. He could join Mitch Barnett on the pine, who has been one of the competition’s best front rowers this season and has also featured on an edge. Rounding out the bench could be Haumole Olakau’atu who is one of rugby league’s most damaging players and could be given a stint on an edge at some stage during the Origin opener, with Liam Martin also able to play in the middle and off the bench.
Selection: Cameron McInnes, Mitch Barnett, Haumole Olakau’atu, Keaon Koloamatangi
PREDICTED BLUES TEAM
1. James Tedesco
2. Brian To’o
3. Matt Burton
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Stephen Crichton
6. Nicho Hynes
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Payne Haas
9. Api Koroisau
10. Jake Trbojevic
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Cameron McInnes
15. Haumole Olakau’atu
16. Mitchell Barnett
17. Keaon Koloamatangi
Source Agencies
