The New South Wales side has been named for Game 1 of State of Origin. There are a few new faces to the side, most notable being the halves pairing of Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds.
The fullback spot was supposed to be a two-horse race between Jarryd Hayne and Josh Dugan, but the irresistible form of Hayne made it impossible to leave him out of the custodian role.
Daniel Tupou will make his debut on the wing for his good form over the past 18 months. He will be a target for the Blues’ kickers.
The Blues halves have been both selected from the Bulldogs. Josh Reynolds has been playing superb football for the Bulldogs this year. He may not be the most gifted player but always plays with a ‘never say die’ attitude, exactly what is needed for State of Origin.
Trent Hodkinson will bring a composed short kicking game, something the Blues have lacked the last couple of years. The Blues need to find the in-goal and Hodkinson will bring that quality to the team. He’s also one of the game’s leading goal kickers.
Laurie Daley chose to go with no utility on the bench, a position Josh Reynolds filled in Game 1 last year. Daley can breathe easier knowing Luke Lewis can cover most positions on the field, having won a premiership with the Panthers in 2003 as a winger.
There will also be pressure on Blues in the backrow, a traditionally strong position for the Blues. Whichever back rower doesn’t perform in Game 1 will find themselves replaced for Game 2 by the suspended Greg Bird.
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