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There is a little over a month before the first State of Origin match of 2013, where the New South Wales Blues are hunting their first series victory in almost a decade.
Some have already given their Blues squad for game one and many will follow suit in the coming weeks. So why not get on the bandwagon and give my New South Wales 17 to finally bring down the Queensland empire beginning June 5 at ANZ Stadium.
Fullback: Brett Stewart
Other contenders: Jarryd Hayne, Kurt Gidley, Anthony Minichiello
Stewart has slowly worked back into form at the Sea Eagles and is a shoe-in to be Blues custodian with the disappearance of Josh Dugan and the poor form of Jarryd Hayne at Parramatta.
Gidley is a chance but is a better option on the bench.
Wingers: Brett Morris and Nathan Merritt
Other contenders: Akuila Uate, Jarryd Hayne, Jorge Taufua
Morris has become one of the premier wingers in international rugby league and has continued to excel in a Dragons side that has been less than impressive over the past 12 months.
Merritt deserves a chance in Origin and his try scoring feats at the Rabbitohs cannot be ignored anymore. He will have no problem with the step up into the Origin arena.
Centres: Josh Morris and Michael Jennings
Other contenders: Jamal Idris, Jarrod Croker
Jennings picks himself this year after a spectacular start to the year at the Roosters. He might have been picked from NSW Cup last year, but the enigmatic speedster has been on fire at Bondi Junction in 2013.
Morris will pair up with his brother on one side and the mouth-watering combination of Merritt and Jennings on the other.
Five-Eighth: Todd Carney
Other contenders: James Maloney, Josh Reynolds
Carney keeps his spot at five-eighth despite serious challenges from Maloney and Josh Reynolds. The Cronulla playmaker has been good in a poor side so far in 2013 and will need to step up after a disappointing Origin debut last season.
Halfback: Mitchell Pearce
Other contenders: Adam Reynolds
Coach Laurie Daley said he would stick solid with Pearce earlier this year and the public support has paid dividends, with Pearce and the Roosters firing. The combination of Pearce and Carney returns for another shot at the mighty Queenslanders.
It’s now or never for these two. But that doesn’t mean they can’t do it.
Props: James Tamou and Aaron Woods
Other contenders: Tim Grant, Willie Mason, Andrew Fifita, Tim Mannah
Australian prop Tamou is first prop picked and continues to thrive in the big matches. He plays big minutes and has the ability to dominate the Maroons pack.
Woods gets his first sky blue jumper continually standing out in a struggling Wests Tigers side. Woods plays big minutes too and does so with the quality of a seasoned pro. He is ready for State of Origin.
Hooker: Robbie Farah
Other contenders: nil
Farah has come a long way since being re-picked for the Blues in 2012. Behind Paul Gallen, the Tigers rake is the second man picked for New South Wales.
Backrow: Luke Lewis, Greg Bird, Paul Gallen
Other Contenders: Anthony Watmough, Ryan Hoffman, Trent Merrin, Glenn Stewart
Gallen will play tight for the Blues shoring up the middle third with Woods and Tamou in the opening exchanges. Bird and Lewis can play tight or on the fringes depending on what the situation calls for.
Bench: Kurt Gidley, Trent Merrin, Anthony Watmough, Ryan Hoffman
Watmough has been playing in the middle for the Sea Eagles but can play a little wider. His intensity and passion is an added bonus on the bench for the Blues.
When Merrin gets his chance, Gallen can be pushed up to prop to give either Tamou or Woods the break they need.
Hoffman is a devastating line runner and gives the bench that balance Laurie Daley is looking for.
Gidley could be the x-factor for the Blues at around the 30 minute mark, keeping Farah fresh and posing a serious threat to the tiring Queenslanders.
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