Reigning State of Origin champs the NSW Blues have locked in the 17 players who will take to the field at Suncorp Stadium on June 5 as the 2019 series gets underway in Game 1.
After a longstanding Queensland dynasty the Blues seemed to enjoy a changing of the guard last year, winning the series in two games, and they’ll be looking to go back to back.
The side will once again be captained by Boyd Cordner and boasts 11 players from the squad that took NSW to the title last year, but also five debutants.
Canberra Raiders winger Nick Cotric and five-eighth Jack Wighton, South Sydney five-eighth Cody Walker and lock Cameron Murray, and Brisbane Broncos prop Payne Haas will all get their first chance at Origin football in Game 1.
Penrith’s Nathan Cleary has been named despite not being in his best form of late, with injuries this week to Luke Keary, Adam Reynolds and Mitchell Pearce likely helping his case.
Keary suffered a concussion in Friday night’s loss to Newcastle, the same match in which Pearce copped a groin injury that also saw him ruled out.
“Luke was looking like he was going to break into the team but I don’t think Luke will take part. He won’t be fit for Game 1,” said NSW adviser Greg Alexander after Keary’s concussion, paving the way for Walker to make his Blues debut aged 29.
The team is otherwise much as was expected, with Nick Cotric beating out Daniel Tupou and Blake Ferguson for a spot on the wing, and Angus Crichton edging out Tariq Sims for a spot on the bench perhaps the most notable picks.
The selectors may have to make an adjustment before gameday after Tyson Frizell suffered a concussion on Sunday, though he has still been named in the squad.
Without a listed 18th man, it’s unclear who would come in if he’s unable to take to the field, although club teammate Sims would seem the most likely contender. Wests Tigers forward Ryan Matterson, who was reportedly close to earning selection, will also come under consideration should another second rower be required.
NSW Blues Team Origin 1
Josh Addo-Carr
Nathan Cleary
Damien Cook
Boyd Cordner (c)
Nick Cotric
Angus Crichton
Tyson Frizell
Payne Haas
David Klemmer
Latrell Mitchell
Josh Morris
Cameron Murray
James Tedesco
Jake Trbojevic
Paul Vaughan
Cody Walker
Jack Wighton
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