Origin health check: Every NRL club’s Origin players and who will need to step up to fill the gap

The NRL is about to be turned on its head during the Origin period and James Tedesco’s axing spells trouble for North Queensland in round 13. Check out how your club will be impacted by Origin over the next two months inside.

Who will carry your club through the Origin period?

The nine -week rollercoaster that is State of Origin is upon the NRL.

Form teams like the Roosters, Broncos and Panthers will lose a heap of stars to representative duty across the three-game series, with only good roster management to save them from slipping down the ladder in the meantime.

But every team has at least one player in the mix to play Origin this year and we take a look at how each club will handle it based on roster depth and existing injuries, as well as the key man to get them through the period.

Can Kyle Flanagan carry the Dragons through Origin? Art: Boo Bailey

PENRITH

Draw: Sharks (A), Dragons (H), Sea Eagles (H), Knights (A), bye, Cowboys (H) Broncos (A), bye, Dolphins (H)

Origin players: Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Liam Martin, Dylan Edwards

Casualty ward: Nathan Cleary (hamstring), Brad Schneider (knee)

Reinforcements: Jack Cole, Soni Luke, Matt Eisenhuth, Daine Laurie, Jesse McLean, Mavrik Geyer, Tyrone Peachey

Key man: James Fisher-Harris

The Panthers are used to managing the Origin period, but with two halfbacks down it gets a bit tricky. Kiwis enforcer James Fisher-Harris will hold it down until the Origin crew returns.

Tyran Wishart of the Storm. Picture: Getty Images

STORM

Draw: bye, Knights (H), Warriors (A), Dolphins (A), Raiders (H), Tigers (A), bye, Roosters (H)

Origin players: Xavier Coates, Harry Grant

Casualty ward: Jahrome Hughes (calf, round 12), Tepai Moeroa (back, round 12), Ryan Papenhuyzen (ankle, round 14), Cameron Munster (groin, round 21), Jonah Pezet (ACL, season)

Reinforcements: Grant Anderson, Sua Fa’alogo, Tyran Wishart, Bronson Garlick, Alec MacDonald, Kane Bradley, Young Tonumaipea

Key man: Tyran Wishart

With Munster out for the series, Coates and Grant are the other Origin players the club will need to replace. Grant Anderson has displayed his versatility, as has Sua Fa’alogo, while Tyran Wishart has shown he’s up for the job.

William Kennedy of the Sharks. Picture: Getty Images

SHARKS

Draw: Eels (A), Broncos (A), Dolphins (H), bye, Bulldogs (A), Titans (H), Tigers (H), bye

Origin players: Nicho Hynes, Cameron McInnes

Casualty ward: Toby Rudolf (knee, round 14), Jesse Colquhoun (foot, indefinite)

Reinforcements: Braydon Trindall, Blake Hosking, Michael Gabrael, Mawene Hiroti

Key man: Will Kennedy

Star halfback Nicho Hynes is the big one for Cronulla, while Cam McInnes is in a Blues jerseys too. Fullback Will Kennedy will need to step up his leadership, while Braydon Trindall could find himself back in first grade.

Toby Sexton will be important for the Bulldogs should Matt Burton get a run for the Blues. Picture: NRL Photos

BULLDOGS

Draw: Knights (A), Eels (H), bye, Roosters (A), Sharks ((H), Warriors (H), bye, Cowboys (A)

Origin players: Matt Burton (reserves), Stephen Crichton

Casualty ward: Daniel Suluka-Fifita (knee, round 12), Ryan Sutton, (knee, round 12), Chris Patolo (knee, round 14), Viliame Kikau (finger, round 17)

Reinforcements: Toby Sexton, Blake Wilson, Connor Tracey, Jeral Skelton, Jake Turpin

Key man: Toby Sexton

Sexton played for the Bulldogs for the first time last week and it was good timing. Matt Burton is 18th man for the Blues but Sexton will have to lead the team if he gets a last-minute call up.

David Armstrong of the Knights. Picture: Chris Hyde

KNIGHTS

Draw: Bulldogs (H), Storm (A), Panthers (H), bye, Eels (H), Raiders (A), Sea Eagles (A), Broncos (H)

Origin players: Nil

Casualty ward: Daniel Saifiti (suspension, round 13), Kalyn Ponga (foot, round 22), Bradman Best (hamstring, tbc), Tyson Gamble (foot, tbc)

Reinforcements: Krystian Mapapalangi, Tom Jenkins, Jed Cartwright, Mat Croker, Paul Bryan

Key man: David Armstrong

Weirdly enough, the Knights are already without Kalyn Ponga but his replacement David Armstrong proves just as crucial. They are otherwise unimpacted, which is a plus for coach Adam O’Brien.

Ethan Strange of the Raiders. Picture: Getty Images

RAIDERS

Draw: Dolphins (A), bye, Cowboys (H), Tigers (A), Storm (A), Knights (H), bye, Warriors (H)

Origin players: Hudson Young

Casualty ward: Corey Horsburgh (groin, round 12), Zac Hosking (shoulder, round 21), Jamal Fogarty (biceps, round 20), Pasami Saulo (back, indefinite), Corey Harawira-Naera (indefinite)

Reinforcements: Noah Martin, Hohepa Puru, Peter Hola

Key man: Ethan Strange

The Raiders can take a hit up front, but they have healthy depth with young guns Noah Martin, Hohepa Puru and Peter Hola waiting for their chance. In the meantime, five-eighth Ethan Strange will be key to getting them through unscathed.

Kieran Foran of the Titans. Picture: Getty Images

TITANS

Draw: bye, Rabbitohs (H), Tigers (A), Warriors (H), bye, Sharks (A), Eels (H), Sea Eagles (A)

Origin players: Moeaki Fotuaika

Casualty ward: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (knee, season), Jaimin Jolliffe (pec, TBC), AJ Brimson (groin, round 18), Harley Smith-Shields (pec, round 17), Tanah Boyd (wrist, round 16), Phillip Sami (hamstring, round 15), Jayden Campbell (knee, TBC), Kieran Foran (knee, round 12)

Reinforcements: Josiah Pahulu, Joe Stimson

Key man: Kieran Foran

The Titans have already been decimated by injury, but only lose Moe Fotuaika to Maroons duty. Josiah Pahulu and Joe Stimson would be a straight swap, but they’ll rely on a healthy Kieran Foran across this time.

Brisbane playmaker Jock Madden. NRL Imagery

BRONCOS

Draw: bye, Sharks (H), Rabbitohs (A), bye, Warriors (A), Panthers (H), Dragons (H), Knights (A)

Origin players: Payne Haas, Selwyn Cobbo, Patrick Carrigan, Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam (reserves)

Casualty ward: Jesse Arthars (jaw, round 16), Adam Reynolds (biceps, round 22), Billy Walters (wrist, TBC), Kotoni Staggs (ribs, round 14)

Reinforcements: Jack Gosiewski, Jaiyden Hunt, Kobe Hetherington, Martin Taupau, Tristan Sailor, Josiah Karapani, Cory Paix

Key man: Jock Madden

As usual, the Broncos will have a heavy Origin contribution across their backline and forward pack. They have healthy depth though, and have relied on it pretty consistently throughout the season so far. Byes in rounds 13 and 16 are crucial.

Isaiya Katoa of the Dolphins. Picture: Getty Images

DOLPHINS

Draw: Raiders (H), bye, Sharks (A), Storm, (H), Dragons (A), bye, Rabbitohs (H), Panthers (A)

Origin players: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

Casualty ward: Tom Flegler (shoulder, round 13), Tom Gilbert (knee, season), Tesi Niu (ankle, round 12), Max Plath (concussion, round 12)

Reinforcements: Lachlan Hubner, Trai Fuller

Key man: Isaiya Katoa

The Dolphins will miss ‘The Hammer’ to Queensland duty, while Tom Flegler is a chance once he returns from a shoulder injury later in the series. Trai Fuller is the next man up, while young half Isaiah Katoa is key to get them through.

Chad Townsend of the Cowboys. Picture: Getty Images

COWBOYS

Draw: Roosters (A), Warriors (H), Raiders (A), bye, Panthers (A), Sea Eagles (H), bye, Bulldogs (H)

Origin players: Murray Taulagi, Tom Dearden, Valentine Holmes, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, Reece Robson

Casualty ward: Tom Chester (hamstring, round 13), Semi Valemai (ankle, TBC), Coen Hess (knee, season), Zac Laybutt (knee, season), Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (Achilles, indefinite)

Reinforcements: Harrison Edwards, Jake Granville, Jake Clifford, Robert Derby, Tom Chester, Braidon Burns, Jamal Shibasaki

Key man: Chad Townsend

Despite their form there’s a bunch of Cowboys in the Queensland team. The club will turn to Jake Granville, Harrison Edwards and Jake Clifford. Byes in round 16 and round 19 are gold.

Dylan Brown of the Eels. Picture: Getty Images

EELS

Draw: Sharks (H), Bulldogs (A), Roosters (A), bye, Knights (A), Rabbitohs (H), Titans (A), bye

Origin players: J’maine Hopgood

Casualty ward: Toni Mataele (hamstring, round 12), Mitch Moses (foot, round 12), Clint Gutherson (knee, round 14), Haze Dunster (foot, round 18), Ofahiki Ogden (pec, round 19)

Reinforcements: Wiremu Greig, Ethan Sanders, Morgan Harper, Matt Doorey, Makahesi Makatoa

Key man: Dylan Brown

He’s out of at least Origin I but Mitch Moses will be in consideration for the Blues job when he does eventually return to the field. J’maine Hopgood is the only other player missing (for now). Dylan Brown will be the man to settle the already unstable team, but there are a few handy replacements to get them through.

Jack Wighton of the Rabbitohs. Picture: Getty Images

RABBITOHS

Draw: bye, Titans (A), Broncos (H), Sea Eagles (H), bye, Eels (A), Dolphins (A), Tigers (H)

Origin players: Nil

Casualty ward: Cameron Murray (hip, round 15), Campbell Graham (sternum, round 18), Tevita Tatola (foot, round 18), Jye Gray (ankle, TBC), Dean Hawkins (quad, TBC), Richard Kennar (knee, TBC), Lachlan Ilias (leg, indefinite), Tyrone Munro (collarbone, indefinite)

Reinforcements: Jye Gray, Taane Milne, Peter Mamouzelos, Matt French

Rabbitohs: Latrell Mitchell

In a win for Souths fans, their already depleted roster is unscathed by Origin. Matt French and Jye Gray will come in handy, whileLatrell Mitchell will have some heavy lifting to do.

Joey Manu of the Roosters. Picture: Getty Images

ROOSTERS

Draw: Cowboys (H), bye, Eels (A), Bulldogs (H), Tigers (H), Dragons (H), bye, Storm (A)

Origin players: Joseph Suaalii, Luke Keary (reserves), Lindsay Collins

Casualty ward: Joey Manu (concussion, round 12), Michael Jennings (triceps, TBC), Billy Smith (ankle, indefinite), Connor Watson (throat, round 15-16)

Reinforcements: Fetalaiga Pauga, Zach Dockar-Clay, Naufahu Whyte, Siua Wong, Sandon Smith, Egan Butcher

Key man: James Tedesco

James Tedesco’s axing from the Blues is a massive win for the Roosters, and no doubt he will be itching to unleash. Joey Manu is the other cog in the backline.

Lachlan Galvin of the Wests Tigers. Picture: Getty Images

WESTS TIGERS

Draw: bye, Dragons (A), Titans (H), Raiders (H), Roosters (A), Storm, (H), Sharks (A), Rabbitohs (A)

Origin players: Nil

Casualty ward: Brent Naden (suspension, round 14), Justin Olam (suspensions, round 14), Aidan Sezer (suspension, round 15), John Bateman (pec, round 17), Starford To’a (hamstring, round 19), Adam Doueihi (knee, round 17), Junior Tupou (foot, TBC)

Reinforcements: Tallyn Da Silva, Sione Fainu

Key man: Lachlan Galvin

Api Koroisau could still come back into the Blues side. Highly-rated 19-year-old Tallyn Da Silva is next in line for the No.9 jersey, while Sione Fainu could be promoted to the starting side.

Kyle Flanagan of the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

DRAGONS

Draw: Panthers (A), Tigers (H), Sea Eagles (A), bye, Dolphins (H), Roosters (A), Broncos (A), bye

Origin players: Ben Hunt, Zac Lomax, Jaydn Su’A

Casualty ward: Corey Allan (knee, season)

Reinforcements: Fa’amanu Brown, Christian Tuipulotu

Key man: Kyle Flanagan

The Dragons have a healthy roster but will miss Ben Hunt to Queensland duty, and Lomax to a NSW debut. Fa’amanu Brown would be a straight swap for Hunt and Christian Tuipulotu is a chance for a first-grade recall. Kyle Flanagan would be the man to hold the team together in their absence, but their round 16 bye falls favourably.

Luke Brooks. Picture: NRL Imagery

SEA EAGLES

Draw: bye, Panthers (A), Dragons (H), Rabbitohs (A), bye, Cowboys (A), Knights (H), Titans (H)

Origin players: Daly Cherry-Evans, Haulmole Olakau’atu, Jake Trbojevic

Casualty ward: Nathan Brown (quad, round 12), Jason Saab (shoulder, round 14), Lachlan Croker (concussion, TBC), Tom Trbojevic (hamstring, round 18), Matt Lodge (biceps, TBC)

Reinforcements: Jake Arthur, Aaron Woods, Corey Waddell, Nathan Brown

Key man: Luke Brooks

With T Turbo already down, Manly will be down big guns DCE, Jake Trbojevic and Haumole Olakau’atu across the next nine weeks, leaving Luke Brooks in charge. Their next bye falls in camp for Origin I, which helps.

Te Maire Martin of the Warriors. Picture: Getty Images

WARRIORS

Draw: bye, Cowboys (A), Storm (H), Titans (A), Broncos (H), Bulldogs (A), bye

Origin players: Mitch Barnett (reserves)

Casualty ward: Rocco Berry (hand, round 14), Kurt Capewell (calf, round 14), Shaun Johnson (pec, round 14), Marata Niukore (foot, round 14), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring, round 17), Wayde Egan (head knock, TBC), Luke Metcalf (leg, indefinite), Demitric Sifakula (ACL, season)

Reinforcements: Taine Tuaupiki, Ali Leiataua, Zyon Maiu’u

Key man: Te Maire Martin

The Warriors are unlikely to be Origin affected at all with just Mitch Barnett getting the call up on the extended bench for the Blues. They have enough injuries to worry about though, and Te Maire Martin will need to steer the ship.

Originally published as Origin health check: Every NRL club’s Origin players and who will need to step up to fill the gap