3 minute read
How the NSW side will shape up for State of Origin II at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
HOW NSW WILL SHAPE UP FOR ORIGIN 1:
Fullback - James Tedesco (capt)
Age: 28
Origins: 14
Origin tries: 7
Now NSW's full-time captain after the retirement of Boyd Cordner. Is the only NSW player to have been a part of a State of Origin win at Suncorp Stadium before, as part of the team for Game I in 2017.
Winger - Brian To'o
Age: 22
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 2
Bagged a double on debut in Townsville as part of NSW's left edge but it was his work out of his own end that was arguably more valuable. One of the hardest wingers to stop in the NRL with his tree-trunk legs.
Centre - Tom Trbojevic
Age: 24
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 8
The form player in the game right now alongside Nathan Cleary. Popped up everywhere in State of Origin I and Queensland must find a way to shut him down if they are to stay in the series.
Centre - Latrell Mitchell
Age: 24
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 4
Had his best night in Origin football in the Blues' Game I win. Appears a more mature footballer than when he last played for NSW in 2019 and is a serious threat for Brad Fittler on the left edge.
Winger - Josh Addo-Carr
Age: 25
Origins: 10
Origin tries: 8
Hard to believe he didn't score a try in the series opener as part of the Blues' avalanche. Remains the fastest man in the game playing on the right wing.
Five-eighth - Jarome Luai
Age: 24
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
Queensland's marked man after a photo of him roaring over the top of Felise Kaufusi was spread around the Maroons' camp. Is a constant threat as part of his thriving combination with Nathan Cleary.
Halfback - Nathan Cleary
Age: 23
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 0
One of the underrated stars of the Blues' series-opening win. Is in a serious run of form for Penrith at club level, but scarily for Queensland father Ivan still claims his best is up to four years away.
Prop - Daniel Saifiti
Age: 24
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 1
Claimed his first Origin try in Game I as part of a big effort up front. His ability to play big minutes for Newcastle also no doubt helped Brad Fittler squeeze Angus Crichton into the team.
Hooker - Damien Cook
Age: 30
Origins: 10
Origin tries: 2
Brushed aside any question over his selection with a solid showing in Game I. Can choose his moments to run out of dummy-half better than almost anyone else in the game.
Prop - Junior Paulo
Age: 27
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
Gets the call up to start in the absence of the injured Jake Trbojevic. Offers plenty of ball-playing ability before the line on what should be a quick and dry Suncorp Stadium.
Second-row - Cameron Murray
Age: 23
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 0
Holds his starting spot ahead of the returning Angus Crichton. Can offer value both on the edge or in the middle for NSW, and looms as a long-term fixture of their side.
Second-row - Tariq Sims
Age: 31
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
Always rises to a new level in representative football after being the bolter for Game I. Was brilliant with ball in hand in Townsville and will also act as Jarome Luai's bodyguard.
Lock - Isaah Yeo
Age: 26
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
One of the most reliable players in the competition and a key cog in Penrith's attack as part of his link with Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary.
Interchange:
Jack Wighton
Age: 28
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 1
Barely got any game time in the series opener but is ready to play anywhere on the field if required. Awaiting the impending birth of his child but is expected to play.
Angus Crichton
Age: 25
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 0
Returns to the team after missing Game I through suspension. Prefers to play on the edge but has proven at club level he can spend time in the middle if needed.
Payne Haas
Age: 21
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 0
NSW have opted to keep him on the bench to make an impact after the opening stages. That shouldn't hurt his minutes though, with every chance he will play unchanged from that point on.
Liam Martin
Age: 24
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
Enjoyed 30 minutes on debut and will be ready for more if required. Has combinations on both edges after growing up playing next to Luai and acting as Cleary's ball-runner last year.
18th man: Api Koroisau
Age: 28
Origins: 0
Tries: 0
