NSW coach Laurie Daley is set to name his fourth halves pairing in his fourth State of Origin series as the Blues desperately attempt to wrest back interstate rugby league supremacy.
James Maloney and Adam Reynolds are the favourites to be the latest duo installed as Daley’s halves on Monday when he names his game for the Origin opener.
Incumbents Mitchell Pearce and Trent Hodkinson have struggled for form this NRL season and are expected to make way after they failed to deliver the Blues success in 2015.
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Pearce was preferred to Josh Reynolds last year, after Josh Reynolds and Hodkinson helped break eight years of Queensland dominance in 2014.
Maloney said he was an improved player since his last Origin experience, when he played alongside Pearce at the Blues scrumbase in 2013.
“I think I’ve learnt more as a footballer, you’d like to think you’re more mature,” he said.
“In terms of physically, I feel really fresh for this time of the year.
“I think I’ve played some good footy. You’re always learning, so you’d think I’d understand the game better than I did a few years ago.”
In contrast, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk have been mainstays in the Queensland side for the past three years, only missing out when injured.
Possible NSW side: Matt Moylan, Blake Ferguson, Josh Dugan, Michael Jennings, Josh Mansour, James Maloney, Adam Reynolds, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen, Boyd Cordner, Beau Scott, Greg Bird.
Interchange: James Tamou, David Klemmer, Josh Jackson, Bryce Cartwright/Jack Bird.
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