State of Origin 2023: Vote for your NSW Blues player of the year

This is your chance to pick the NSW Blues People’s Choice Player of the Year for 2023 - will it be the unstoppable winger, one game hero or never-say-die hard man? VOTE HERE.

The Daily Telegraph’s People’s Choice Award nominees.

Unfortunately for NSW fans and Brad Fittler, the Blues saved their Best until last in a frustrating series loss.

The shield may have again gone to Queensland but there were memorable individual efforts from the Blues.

Penrith pair Brian To’o and Liam Martin cemented their standing as arguably the best winger and second-rower in the game.

Skipper James Tedesco, who is the only player to have won three Brad Fittler Medals, also bounced back in the game-three win.

And Cody Walker stood out after being recalled.

Now Blues fans can pick the best player across the three games in The Daily Telegraph’s People’s Choice Award.

The winner will be announced during the NSWRL Awards night at The Brad Fittler Medal dinner at The Star in September.

The Blues salvaged some pride in the final game. Picture: Jonathan Ng

CHECK OUT THE NOMINEES AND VOTE FOR YOUR CHOICE BELOW

BRIAN TO’O

Easily the Blues’ most consistent performer across the three games. Carried the ball for a series-high 609 metres - a third of which were post-contact - making him one of the biggest reasons why NSW dominated territory for the entire series. Rewarded with a classy try in their third win, cementing his status as arguably the best winger in the game.

LIAM MARTIN

Any fears the two-time premiership-winner was entering the series underdone because of a nagging hamstring injury were allayed with an impactful performance of the bench in game one, including a bullocking try. Produced more of the same in game two, and then capped off a strong series with some jarring shots in game three. Proved he’s an Origin mainstay.

STEPHEN CRICHTON

The late withdrawals of Latrell Mitchell meant Crichton was rushed into the side in the opening two games - performing admirably - before cementing his status as a big-game player with several key defensive plays in their dead rubber win. His series as a whole, together with Bradman Best’s dream debut, made a compelling argument for picking specialist centres.

JAMES TEDESCO

Was heavily criticised after both their opening two losses but, like the rest of his teammates, bounced back with a vintage performance in their game III win. His captain’s knock included 227 metres and 11 tackle busts, for a total of 584m and 18 for the series. He also broke the record for consecutive Origin games played when he ran out for his 21st straight match in Sydney. Is the only player to have claimed three Brad Fittler medals.

CODY WALKER

He may have only played one game, but it was enough for Blues fans to wonder how different the series may have been if he was picked from the start. Brought in for an attack that struggled in their opening two defeats, Walker was instrumental in all four tries in Sydney and enhanced his status as arguably the game’s best attacking playmaker.

Originally published as State of Origin 2023: Vote for your NSW Blues player of the year