State of Origin 1: Our experts select their NSW teams for Game One
AS Brad Fittler prepares to unveil his Blues side for the State of Origin series opener, our rugby league writers select their NSW teams.
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A NEW era looms for NSW as Blues coach Brad Fittler prepares to unveil his side for next month’s State of Origin series opener.
Fittler is tipped to bring in a host of new faces as the Blues aim to bounce back from three-straight series defeats.
Ahead of Monday’s NSW team announcement, The Daily Telegraph’s team of rugby league writers have named the sides they would like to see selected for Origin I.
FATIMA KDOUH’S NSW TEAM
TOUGHEST CALL: Damien Cook’s form is too hard to ignore. He gets the nod ahead of Cam McInnes, who misses out with Tyrone Peachey the more versatile option on the bench
CRUELLEST CUT: I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tom Trbojevic at some stage during the 2018 series, but I think he misses out for game one.
ON THE VERGE: Latrell Mitchell is a freakish talent, but he tends to fade in and out of matches. I think Euan Aitken’s consistency warrants selection ahead of the Rooster.
— Fatima Kdouh
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PAUL KENT’S NSW TEAM
TOUGHEST CALL: Trent Merrin was tough to leave out. Creative and back in career best form.
CRUELLEST CUT: Tough to leave out Cameron McInnes after a superb start to the season.
ON THE VERGE: Clearly James Roberts features in the discussion.
— Paul Kent
PAUL CRAWLEY’S NSW TEAM
TOUGHEST CALL: Damien Cook. Has been outstanding all season and I’d love to see him and McInnes in the team. I just feel Peachey offers better utility value on bench.
CRUELLEST CUT: Boyd Cordner and Josh Jackson. Jackson absolutely busts his gut every game and if you had him in your team you’d have no reason to complain. Cordner has improved in recent weeks but I just feel other backrowers are in better form. Sims has had his share of rotten luck over the years and his form demands selection.
ON THE VERGE: If Canberra were going better I reckon Jack Wighton would be right in the frame. Has been outstanding despite Raiders’ disappointing results.
— Paul Crawley
RUSSELL JACKSON’S NSW TEAM
TOUGHEST CALL: Leaving out Tom Trbojevic. Tedesco edges him at fullback and I couldn’t bring myself to picking the Manly No. 1 out of position on the wing.
CRUELLEST CUT: Dragons hooker Cameron McInnes. Damien Cook has gone to the next level in recent weeks, making him a must pick. Peachey’s selection on the bench means there’s no need for a second hooker.
ON THE VERGE: Angus Crichton could get a chance later in the series but for the opener Jack de Belin and Tariq Sims shade him on my bench.
— Russell Jackson
DAVID RICCIO’S NSW TEAM
TOUGHEST CALL: Leaving Latrell Mitchell out. I understand Origin is about scoring points, but you also need to defend them. Mitchell is a star, but his defensive reads have been exposed time and again. Josh Dugan is a Test incumbent who is the muscle the Blues need in a rookie backline.
CRUELLEST CUT: James Tedesco. Teddy is one of my favourite players, but I like ball-playing fullbacks and Teddy just doesn’t have the sleight of hand that Tom Trbojevic does.
ON THE VERGE: Luke Keary. If James Maloney fails to deliver with Nathan Cleary in Origin I, watch for the Roosters pivot to be catapulted into game two.
— David Riccio
NICK WALSHAW’S NSW TEAM
TOUGHEST CALL: For me, Cameron McInnes is the hooker best suited to those first intense 20 minutes of Origin, with Damien Cook then used off the pine as a Super Sub.
CRUELLEST CUT: Reckon the toughest phone call would be to Josh Jackson, who has continually proved one of the Blues best in recent series defeats.
ON THE VERGE: Canberra winger Nick Cotric is close, edged out for Origin I by Tommy Turbo.
— Nick Walshaw
MATT LOGUE’S NSW TEAM
TOUGHEST CALL: The race between Damien Cook and Cameron McInnes for the No. 9 jumper is close. But Cook’s speed gives him the edge.
CRUELLEST CUT: Blake Ferguson has been strong for the Roosters this season, but the Blues have to look to the future.
ON THE VERGE: Euan Aitken is definitely on the cusp of a centre position.
— Matt Logue
NICK CAMPTON’S NSW TEAM
TOUGHEST CALL: The centres. For the first time in a long time, the Blues are blessed with choice in numerous positions. Latrell Mitchell would be a worthy selection, as would Roberts and Aitken — any two of the three would acquit themselves well.
CRUELLEST CUT: Cam McInnes has barely put a foot wrong all season and only the superlative form of Damien Cook has stopped him from jagging a starting spot. If McInnes was the starter then both players could be selected, but Cook’s form has been too good to relegate him to the bench.
ON THE VERGE: Tom Trbojevic’s form has been more up and down this season than people seem to think and he hasn’t played much top level football on the wing. Selecting a specialist, such as Canberra youngster Nick Cotric, is a path that should be considered.
— Nick Campton
TIM WILLIAMS’ NSW TEAM
TOUGHEST CALL: Centres. Any other year James Roberts or Latrell Mitchell debuts, but with so many new faces Josh Dugan provides proven rep experience and a more reliable defensive option out wide, even if it’s on his less familiar left edge.
CRUELLEST CALL: Jack de Belin. Andrew Fifita is a highly controversial selection, but if the best prop in the game is available for games one and three I’m picking him. His reason for sitting out game two is admirable, and he’s in career best form. Jack makes his Origin debut in game two.
ON THE VERGE: Angus Crichton. The Rabbitohs back-rower plays beyond his years for many reasons, but the reality is he’s still 22 in his second season in the NRL. Could easily feature this year and will be a staple of the side for many years to come.
— Tim Williams
