NSW Blues team unveiled for State of Origin Game 1

Brad Fittler has made plenty of changes ahead of the State of Origin opener, including a brand new halves pairing for Game 1 next week.

Three debutants will feature in the NSW Blues squad for next week’s State of Origin opener, still scheduled for the MCG despite Melbourne’s lockdown.

Panthers playmaker Jarome Luai has beaten reigning Dally M Medal recipient Jack Wighton for the coveted No. 6 jersey, and will pair with Penrith teammate Nathan Cleary in the halves.

The Blues were dealt a late blow with Newcastle backrower Tyson Frizell limping off the ground during Sunday’s victory over the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.

The injury seemingly delayed the Origin squad announcement, with speculation Liam Martin would be named as his replacement — Cameron Murray was ultimately chosen to don the No. 11 jersey in Frizell’s absense.

Tyson Frizell was to be picked for the NSW team but was ruled out due to his ankle injury suffered this afternoon. Considering quick scratching for a game in 10 days, likely at least a moderate grade sprain (3-6 weeks return). If syndesmosis unstable/surgery required, 6-8 weeks

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) May 30, 2021

Wighton has still been included in the squad, but will start Game 1 on the bench.

The Blues’ starting 17 features five players from the undefeated Panthers’ side — but there are as many as seven Penrith players who could play this series should Fittler turn to rising star centre Matt Burton, forward Liam Ryan or Apisai Koroisau.

Blues coach Brad Fittler confirmed on Sunday morning that Broncos forward Payne Haas was fit to play and admitted Panthers forward Isaah Yeo will be selected.

But Fittler shrugged off the lure of selecting Penrith’s Api Koroisau, giving incumbent hooker Damien Cook first crack for the series, which starts on June 9.

Freddy has some explaining to do.

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Tom Trbojevic and Latrell Mitchell will line up in the centres, replacing Parramatta star Clint Gutherson and Wighton from last year.

Fittler has handed Panthers winger Brian To’o his debut Blues jumper with the Penrith flyer picked ahead of Roosters winger Daniel Tupou.

Meanwhile, Parramatta’s Nathan Brown, Rabbitohs playmaker Cody Walker, Melbourne’s Dale Finucane and Gutherson have lost their spots.

Fittler earlier was given the good news that both Cameron Murray and Tariq Sims had avoided suspensions and were free to play in the series opener.

Victoria’s current COVID lockdown means the venue for Game 1 could be changed from Melbourne to Townsville, Canberra, or even Bankwest Stadium.

Fittler’s team are seeking redemption after they were ambushed last year by Queensland coach Wayne Bennett in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Origin concept.

“I’m really happy with the squad we’ve announced to face the Maroons for the opening game of the series,” Fittler said in a statement.

“We’ve got a good mix of players from in-form teams and players who have worn the NSW Blues jumper with distinction in the past and never let their state down.

“I’m looking forward to working with all the players in camp and I’m confident our preparation will stand us in good stead to try and win back the Origin Shield.”

NSW team for Game 1

Brad Fittler is going all in on the Panthers’ hot streak.

1. James Tedesco (c)

2. Brian To’o

3. Latrell Mitchell

4. Tom Trbojevic

5. Josh Addo-Carr

6. Jarome Luai

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Daniel Saifiti

9. Damien Cook

10. Jake Trbojevic

11. Cameron Murray

12. Tariq Sims

13. Isaah Yeo

14. Jack Wighton

15. Junior Paulo

16. Payne Haas

17. Liam Martin

18. Apisai Koroisau

19. Campbell Graham

Your @NSWBlues#Origin team for Game 1! pic.twitter.com/FYMmB0lNgE

— NRL (@NRL) May 30, 2021

I’ve said many times throughout the years, that when you get to the stage you have 5 or 6 Origin players in your team, you are ready to win a comp. Panthers now have 6 players named for this Origin I game. 5 of those developed through Panther Academy. What a great achievement.

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) May 30, 2021