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State of Origin is just around the corner and here at The Roar, we are all about your opinion, so why not have your say on who is going to play for the New South Wales Blues in Game 1 with our interactive team picker?
The Blues Origin team is generally one of the most hotly debated topics in the lead-up to the series and this year will be no different, with new coach Brad Fittler likely to make a mountain of changes to the side who lost their third straight series and tenth in the last eleven.
While James Tedesco might remain at fullback, the halves combination is up in the air with James Maloney set to be partnered by a fresh face after Mitchell Pearce went down with injury. Will he be joined by Nathan Cleary, Blake Green, Adam Reynolds or another out of left field?
There has even been talk in recent weeks that Maloney may be left out altogether, owing to his defensive deficiencies, with the Panthers half missing an average of almost seven tackles per game.
And what about the number nine jersey? Nathan Peats held it last year, but seems unlikely to continue as dummy half. Cameron McInnes and Damian Cook seem to be the favourites to replace him, with few other options making their case.
The outside backs are up in the air as well. Josh Dugan seems to be the only centre or winger likely to retain their spot from Game 3 last year, with Jarryd Hayne, Brett Morris and Blake Ferguson all likely to be out of favour under the new coaching staff. Among the favourites to take their spots are Latrell Mitchell, James Roberts, Josh Addo-Carr and Euan Aitken.
And speaking of the Dragons, who have made a runaway start to the season and sit at the top of the ladder, how many of their forwards will make the grade? Paul Vaughan, Tariq Sims, Jack de Belin and Tyson Frizell all appear to be in contention, with at least one forced change in the forwards as Andrew Fifita declared for Tonga.
More are likely though, with Boyd Cordner the only one confirmed to retain his spot, given his captaincy of the side and Fittler’s idea of cleaning out the players involved in past losses.
Be sure to let us know on the team picker below who you think will play for the Blues in Game 1 of the 2018 series.
State of Origin fixtures
Game 1: Wednesday, June 6 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Game 2: Sunday, June 24 at ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Game 3: Wednesday, July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
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