Once again, we got a rousing response to this year’s ‘Pick your own’ State of Origin team for the New South Wales.

As such, we’ve assembled who you, the Roarers, think should don the blue jerseys to try to defend the State of Origin Crown in 2015.

The big questions around the team were always going to be around loyalty – do you pick those who aren’t necessarily in form but got the job done last year, or do you go for those in form but haven’t tasted success in the Origin arena?

More State of Origin:
» State of Origin News
» State of Origin team news
» The Roar’s Queensland Maroons team for Origin 1
» Pick your own NSW Blues team for Origin 1
» Pick your own Queensland Maroons team for Origin 1

The injury to skipper Paul Gallen put a spanner in the works, but

The emphatic answer from you was a mix of both – with James Maloney being just one example of a player in form being the pick of the bunch at five-eighth ahead of Blake Austin and incumbent Josh Reynolds.

Without any further delay, and before we get into too many specifics, here is the team you guys picked for the State of Origin opener.

1. Josh Dugan
2. Alex Johnston
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Daniel Tupou
6. James Maloney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Aaron Woods
9. Robbie Farah
10. James Tamou
11. Beau Scott
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Trent Merrin

Bench
14. Josh Jackson
15. Luke Lewis
16. David Klemmer
17. Andrew Fifita

Starting from the top, and Josh Dugan replaces Jarryd Hayne for the 2015 opener. He always appeared the natural replacement, though issues about his playmaking ability were brought up, his attacking flair proved too much of a lure.

Alex Johnston and Daniel Tupou were safe choices on the wings with Brett Morris out injured, as were Jennings and Josh Morris in the centres.

An interesting turn sees the Roosters’ halves reinstalled as the Blues pair ahead of last year’s winners Hodkinson and Reynolds. Will the NSW selectors mirror this change?

Aaron Woods, James Tamou and Trent Merrin play props and lock respectively in the absence of Paul Gallen, with Robbie Farah likely to take the little ‘c’ in the absence of the inspirational captain.

Beau Scott and Ryan Hoffman both retain their positions in the second row from last year.

Dependable Blues Luke Lewis and Andrew Fifita are on the bench.

The players selected to make their debut are Josh Jackson and David Klemmer, both from the Bulldogs.

A solid season last year saw them both make their debut in green and gold, and they have been among Canterbury’s best in the opening part of the season.

Here is the full summary of the votes you guys submitted for NSW’s side for the opening game of State of Origin in 2015.

Summary

1. Fullback

Josh Dugan	124	59%
Brett Stewart	32	15.2%
Matt Moylan	46	21.9%
Other	8	3.8%

2/5. Winger (Select two)

Brett Morris	75	36.4%
Will Hopoate	34	16.5%
Pat Richards	37	18%
Alex Johnston	73	35.4%
Daniel Tupou	131	63.6%
Josh Mansour	22	10.7%
James Roberts	16	7.8%
Other	17	8.3%

3/4. Centre (Select two)

Josh Morris	171	83%
Michael Jennings	167	81.1%
Will Hopoate	14	6.8%
Josh Dugan	40	19.4%
James Roberts	9	4.4%
Other	4	1.9%

6. Five-Eighth

James Maloney	73	35.8%
Josh Reynolds	38	18.6%
Blake Austin	69	33.8%
Other	24	11.8%

7. Halfback

Mitchell Pearce	91	44.2%
Adam Reynolds	35	17%
Trent Hodkinson	70	34%
Other	10	4.9%

9. Hooker

Robbie Farah	180	90.5%
Michael Ennis	14	7%
Other	5	2.5%

8/10. Front-Rower (Select two)

James Tamou	112	55.2%
Aaron Woods	175	86.2%
Paul Gallen	23	11.3%
Andrew Fifita	70	34.5%
Tim Mannah	4	2%
David Klemmer	14	6.9%
Other	3	1.5%

11/12. Second-Rower (Select two)

Luke Lewis	34	16.8%
Ryan Hoffman	127	62.9%
Tony Williams	11	5.4%
Anthony Watmough	23	11.4%
Boyd Cordner	61	30.2%
Beau Scott	113	55.9%
Ryan James	5	2.5%
Josh Jackson	25	12.4%
Other	4	2%

13. Lock Forward

Paul Gallen	70	35.5%
Trent Merrin	102	51.8%
Glenn Stewart	18	9.1%
Other	7	3.6%

Reserves 14,15,16,17

Tony Williams	27	13.5%
Anthony Watmough	35	17.5%
Trent Merrin	75	37.5%
Ryan Hoffman	33	16.5%
Tariq Sims	42	21%
Aiden Tolman	19	9.5%
Andrew Fifita	105	52.5%
Boyd Cordner	64	32%
Beau Scott	16	8%
Luke Lewis	110	55%
Josh Jackson	65	32.5%
Tyson Frizell	52	26%
Beau Scott	16	8%
Ryan James	22	11%
David Klemmer	83	41.5%
Other	30	15%