State of Origin selection news: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to make NSW Blues debut

Rugby-bound winger Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has beaten out Josh Addo-Carr and Zac Lomax for a wing spot in NSW Blues’ Game I side, while a Sharks bolter will also make his Origin debut.

Rugby-bound winger Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has won a debut NSW State of Origin spot, but his more experienced Roosters teammate is still fighting to stay in the Blues team.

Suaalii has beaten out Josh Addo-Carr and Zac Lomax for a wing spot, and will partner Penrith bulldozer Brian To’o on the flanks to take on Queensland in the opening Origin.

However, his club teammate and incumbent NSW captain James Tedesco is still facing a stiff challenge to retain his spot, with selectors yet to decide between him and Penrith’s Dylan Edwards for the fullback role.

Sharks lock Cameron McInnes has also earned a spot on the bench for his Origin debut.

McInnes spent the first three years of his career under Maguire at South Sydney between 2014-16.

A source with knowledge of the NSW selection discussions, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed 20-year-old Suaalii will be named on the wing by Blues coach Michael Maguire on Sunday evening, barring injury or a catastrophically bad performance against Canberra on Saturday.

The NSW coaching staff see kick returns as a key area of the game against the Maroons, particularly runs from dummy half near their own line, and Suaalii’s big body and power has given him the edge over his rivals.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

It is quite the story, with Suaalii already committing to rugby union from next year, when he is expected to debut for the Wallabies against the British & Irish Lions in July 2025.

Suaalii said earlier this week he is ready to step up to the Origin arena.

“I am ready for the job if Madge picks me,” Suaalii said.

“I am focusing on playing for the Roosters and that is it. But if the opportunity comes I am ready to take it with two hands.

“I feel like I have put a lot of work into my game. When State of Origin’s played, I feel like the Roosters style of footy resembles what Origin does.

“It is a dream of mine to play State of Origin.”

Suaalii, who has signed a record three-year deal with Rugby Australia worth $5.35 million, dismissed calls for him not to be picked because he is switching codes.

“It has always been a dream of mine to play for State of Origin,” Suaalii said.

“I have been playing rugby league since I was four years old and for anyone to say it is not my dream, I think it is a bit silly.

“It is my dream to play at the top level but I am focused on playing well for the Roosters.”

But for longstanding NSW fullback Tedesco, the battle to keep the No.1 jersey will come down to performance this weekend.

While many frustrated Blues fans had called for Tedesco to be dropped after last year’s series defeat, the veteran fullback has produced some of his best form in recent weeks.

However, the Blues brains trust still see it as a 50-50 call and if Edwards can shine against the ladder-leading Cronulla Sharks on Saturday, he could well sneak into the starting side.

Cameron McInnes will make his State of Origin debut for the Blues. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Tedesco has played 22 straight Origin games and has captained NSW in the past four series, with Queensland winning three.

McInnes’ teammate Nicho Hynes will wear the Blues No.7 jersey in the absence of injured star Nathan Cleary, but there is still indecision as to who will partner him in the halves with Cody Walker, Jarome Luai and Matt Burton in the mix.

Originally published as State of Origin selection news: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to make NSW Blues debut