It’s been billed as the Blues’ State of Origin series to lose, but it’s fair to say that injury and poor form from many of their potential players has forced Brad Fittler to name a less-than-ideal side.
In the halves, injuries to Adam Reynolds, Mitchell Pearce and Luke Keary and sub-par form from James Maloney has forced Fittler to name Nathan Cleary – who’s struggled all season – alongside debutant Cody Walker in the pivotal positions.
Could these selection headaches open the door for a shock Blues loss?
We brought Roar rugby league expert AJ Mithen onto the latest episode of Game of Codes to give New South Wales’ lineup some proper analysis.
Listen to the debate:
New South Wales may enter this series as favourites, but the scars of Queensland’s dominant run of 11 series wins in 13 years still run deep for many Blues fans.
While the bookies still have New South Wales as warm series favourites, fans have the right to feel nervous about any perceived advantage the Maroons can gain – especially given Game 1 is being played in Brisbane.
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
Ozibatla
Guest
So heres the deal: Plenty of new faces in the NSW squad but regardless of who they pick, it will be a competitive unit. Im a devout Maroons supoorter but most years, NSW have dished up a competitive team, even during our reign of superiority. Apart from '09, '10 and to a lesser degree '16, the Blues have been right in it. Apart from many other things origin has taught us, one things for sure is that the mental aspect of this lovely state v state rivalry is mostly fought between the ears. Yes the physical aspect increases, but its the ability to push through fatigue and pain that often seperates winner from loser and this ability is directly attributed to mental strength. With all our greats having moved on from that unforgettable era, it now seems a more even question of which state is more desperate?
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
Cleary was good in defence ....he is not afraid to tackle
Harvey Wilson
Roar Rookie
Agree, not sure why Reynolds wasn't picked. They seem to love club connections and with Reynolds, Walker and Cook it just makes sense. Cleary didn't do a lot last year. The team won, but it wasn't his doing. The new Pearce....?
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
I think Freddy will have Cleary up for it come game night. The area of concern is that Walters has picked a team and a bench that indicates he wants to take NSW on right up the middle and if they nullify our forwards then no matter who is playing in the halves it will be tough going
Caractacus
Guest
I thought that Reynolds isn't injured in which case Fittler could of picked him along side Walker which would've made a lot of sense especially with Cook at hooker. I don't think that he was forced to pick Cleary at all, he was always going to go with him and without injuries he would have paired him with Keary.....it could yet come back to bite him.
Graham
Guest
the injury crises for the blues could be a blessing in disguise for them if it got them to select walker no guarantee he'll deliver on the big stage but at club level he is on another level to maloney