NSW drops State of Origin bombshell with star to make debut

NSW coach Brad Fittler is reportedly set to gamble everything on a State of Origin rookie player that has come from the clouds.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 07: Reece Robson of the Cowboys runs with the ball during the round 10 NRL match between Sydney Roosters and North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on May 07, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

NSW coach Brad Fittler has reportedly made the bombshell selection to name Reece Robson in his side for State of Origin Game 2.

The Blues legend is coaching for his career with NSW heading into Origin II at Suncorp Stadium on July 21 needing to keep the series alive after Queensland’s miracle comeback win in Adelaide.

Fittler is juggling multiple forced changes to his line-up and he is not shying away from making the big calls.

The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio first reported Fittler is turning to the North Queensland Cowboys No. 9 Reece Robson to be his bench utility.

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Reece Robson is getting the call up. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

Riccio posted on Twitter Robson’s selection was an “Origin bombshell”.

Robson has won the battle for the No. 14 jumper after it had previously been confirmed by NSW selector Greg Alexander that Fittler was also considering Sharks utility Cam McInnes.

Fittler is juggling widespread changes to his team after serious injuries to halfback Nathan Cleary and hooker Apisai Koroisau.

Koroisau’s injury means Damien Cook is expected to wear the No. 9 jumper, while Robson will be on the bench to cover multiple positions and inject some speed into the Blues’ dummy half play.

NSW is also looking at big changes to its centre pairings with Latrell Mitchell expected to be fit and available for selection.

The biggest question mark however surrounds who will be selected to play in the halves following Cleary’s injury.

Nicho Hynes played from the bench in the series opener, but his promotion to wear the No. 7 jumper has been further clouded by his poor performance in Cronulla’s ugly loss to Melbourne on Sunday.

Mitchell Moses has emerged as the front runner to replace Cleary.

With Cleary gone, there is also serious doubt about five-eighth Jarome Luai, despite the Panthers star being one of the Blues’ best in Adelaide.