Aidan Sezer remains in the hunt for a NSW Origin spot after being named for the City side to play Country on Sunday.
The Canberra halfback had been mooted as a possible Blues playmaker for this year’s Origin series, and is one of 11 debutants named in the 18-man squad for the annual fixture.
Penrith winger Josh Mansour will also have a chance to press his claims for a NSW spot along with back-rower and Panthers teammate Bryce Cartwright.
City coach Brad Fittler hinted he was forced to select a largely inexperienced side.
“Thanks to the coaches who have allowed their players to have an opportunity to play in a rep game,” Fittler said on Monday.
Maloney named as Country No.6
James Maloney’s hopes of an Origin recall have increased after being selected at five-eighth for NSW Country’s match against City in Tamworth on Sunday.
Maloney, who has taken Cronulla to six straight wins in the halves, will be partnered by Sharks teammate Jack Bird in a side that boasts three players with State of Origin experience.
Mitch Rein will also go up against City’s Nathan Peats at hooker, in a battle that will likely indicate the eventual successor to Robbie Farah’s No.9 jersey.
City Origin
Chris Lawrence (capt), Nathan Brown, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Bryce Cartwright, Addin Fonua-Blake, Aaron Gray, Clint Gutherson, Leilani Latu, Kyle Lovett, Josh Mansour, Tyrone Peachey, Nathan Peats, Aidan Sezer, Curtis Sironen, Tom Symonds, Chad Townsend, Jake Trbojevic. Ryan Matterson (18th man) Coach: Brad Fittler.
Country Origin squad
Jack Wighton, Kane Linnett, Euan Aitken, Jarrod Croker, Isaah Yeo, James Maloney, Jack Bird, Shannon Boyd, Mitch Rein, Jack De Belin, Tyson Frizell, Boyd Cordner, Dale Finucane, Jordan McLean, Paul Vaughan, Tariq Sims, Mitchell Aubusson. Coach: Craig Fitzgibbon.
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