Opinion
It’s that time of year again. Easter has passed. Anzac festivities have come and gone. The sun has begun setting a little earlier, the air sitting a little colder on our layered-up skins, heaters cranked up as the winter chill kicks in and the NRL season begins to take shape.
It’s State of Origin time.
Well, not yet. But we are getting there. Game one kicks off at the Adelaide Oval at the end of this month.
This time of year always brings with a special air of competitiveness lacking for much of the Australian sporting calendar, a feeling of inter-state hatred that cannot be replicated or manufactured.
It’s always hotly anticipated, State of Origin, and 2023 is no different. New South Wales will be looking to avenge last year’s heartbreak suffered at the hands of Ben Hunt while Billy Slater’s Queensland will look to confirm their place as the dominant rugby league state.
In the build-up to Brad Fittler selecting his Blues side for game one later this month, here are the 17 plays he should pick to taste victory in Adelaide come the end of the month.
An important caveat: Liam Martin and Jake Trbojevic would be in my 17 but injuries have ruled them from contention.
1. James Tedesco
Few men embody the New South Wales spirit more than the Roosters skipper. Even fewer have the capacity to lead their state so well.
Despite his club sides patchy form, no one can doubt Tedesco’s place as the first name on his state’s team sheet. Resilient. Tough. A serious game breaker. This is a no brainer.
2. Brian To’o
Only Dylan Edwards has run for more metres this season and only Payne Haas has more post contact metres. The best winger trucking nut out of yardage, made of granite, eats contact for fun, and one of the game’s best finishers.
3. Latrell Mitchell
Would’ve been player of the series 2021 if it weren’t for his centres partner. There aren’t many in the NRL who can break a game like Latrell. Runs as fast as a sprinter, as hard a back rower and with the hands of a halfback. Pure strike.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
4. Tom Trbojevic
Body doesn’t look right to start the year, but ‘Turbo’s’ work-rate will be considerably lower playing centre. Less metres, less runs, more output.
That’s how I view it. Beautiful hands, a strong running game, effective defence, and someone who, if he even clicks by an extra 10 per cent could blow the series out of Queensland’s reach.
5. Josh Addo-Carr
I am a Bulldogs fan so I know first-hand how poor the Fox’s carries from his own end can be. But he is made for Origin.
His speed and energy are unmatched. Campbell Graham is in the form of his life, but Josh Addo-Carr is undeniably needed in this team due to his ability to turn half-spaces into tries.
6. Nicho Hynes
I love Jarome Luai. But Nicho is the reigning Dally M medallist and arguably the form player in the competition this season.
For all the chat about combinations, Nicho and Cleary can be the best combination in the state, and they’ll never develop it if they don’t start now.
7. Nathan Cleary
No clarification needed. Does need a big series, especially if Turbo isn’t fully fit, which he is very much capable of. The nation’s best halfback on both sides of the ball.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
8. Payne Haas
Like Cleary and Teddy, goes without saying. Could play 80 in Origin if need be.
9. Api Koroisau
Don’t let the Tigers form to begin the season fool you, Api has been playing almost exactly as we’ve come to expect from him following his Penrith and Manly years.
Incredibly crafty out of dummy half and a strong enough defender to take the early sting out of the game. He is a must for Freddy.
10. Jack De Belin
Without Jake, it’s time for Jack. Played three games in 2018 and won the series. Starting to hit fantastic form in the middle for a struggling Dragons side, playing big minutes, tackling at a 96% efficiency, and running for enough metres.
Like Api and even Ruben Cotter for Queensland, can take the sting out of the game early before the thrust enters later.
11. Haumole Olakau’atu
Ignoring Manly’s form, Olakau’atu is arguably the most destructive backrower in the game. Brilliant ability under kicks.
A big body. Scary hitter who sends shivers down the spine of those who run towards him. Seems to be made for Origin with a tackle efficiency of 91%, 5 tackle breaks in most games, over 130 metres, and a beautiful knack for scoring tries.
12. Cameron Murray
I hear calls for him to come off the bench through the middle, they have substance but I feel they’re misguided. His defence on the edge makes the Blues almost impeachable, especially if David Fifita gets a run for Queensland.
Few can nullify the Titans steamroller like the Rabbitohs captain. Has all the hallmarks of a great backrower, with versatility, and a fantastic engine. Play him on whatever edge is needed and let him go about his work.
13. Isaah Yeo
The best lock in the game. A chief orchestrator, strong runner of the ball, brilliant passer, and his defence has gone to another level this year.
Isaah Yeo of the Blues is tackled (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
14. Damien Cook
Bring him off the bench in a similar way Grant comes on for Queensland. Use his speed, intelligence, and class to exploit Queensland’s tired forward late in halves.
15. Junior Paulo
Great enough to start, but his energy, footwork, and ball-playing excel from the bench.
16. Daniel Safiti
Never puts a foot wrong for his state. Tough kid, hard runner, always stands up to a dominant Queensland pack. He and Paulo are exactly what New South Wales need from the bench.
17. Hudson Young
A bolter from the bench. Got the right amount of mongrel in him for Origin, and a skillset to match it with the best.
Made for Origin in my eyes and, in the absence of Liam Martin, his form over the last 18 months definitely warrants selection.
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