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A guide to the NSW team for State of Origin I against Queensland in Brisbane on June 5.
HOW NSW SHAPE UP FOR ORIGIN I
Fullback - James Tedesco (age 26)
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 3
Has established himself as one of the league's most potent attacking threats, leading the NRL in line breaks, tackle breaks and total metres. He does have a league-high 17 errors, but still looms as a genuine match-winner.
Wing - Nick Cotric (age 20)
Origins: Debut
Origin tries: Nil
A shadow player last year, the Canberra winger gets his chance following an injury to Tom Trbojevic. His strength will be handy in yardage, but gives away a height advantage to opposite winger Corey Oates and could be a target.
Centre - Latrell Mitchell (age 21)
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 2
Has emerged as arguably the game's best centre after outpointing veteran Will Chambers in last year's series and the grand final. First in points and fifth in line break assists so far this year, but has also conceded the most penalties.
Centre - Josh Morris (age 32)
Origins: 15
Origin tries: 5
Comes out of representative retirement following the axing of James Roberts to reserve grade and injuries to Jack Bird and Joseph Leilua. The oldest player in the team also has the ominous task of stopping the Maroons' lethal left edge.
Wing - Josh Addo-Carr (age 23)
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 2
The speedster continues to light up the league after his maiden Origin series last year, when he scored tries in both the Blues' wins. He's currently second in the league with nine tries, including an eye-catching last-start double.
Five-eighth - Cody Walker (age 29)
Origins: Debut
Origin tries: Nil
Appeared set to miss out to Luke Keary before the Sydney Roosters star got knocked out in his final audition. Fittler's consolation pick is currently the league's leading tryscorer (11), fourth in line break assists and fifth in try assists.
Halfback - Nathan Cleary (age 21)
Origins: 3
Origin tries: Nil
Arguably Fittler's most contentious selection for game one, the 21-year-old gets a crack despite Penrith sitting second last on the ladder. Last year's halfback, who is fourth in line engagements this year, will be the primary kicker in attack.
Prop - David Klemmer (age 25)
Origins: 12
Origin tries: Nil
The third-most experienced Blues player at 25 years of age, Klemmer is arguably Fittler's most feared forward. The Kangaroos star leads the league in runs and post-contact metres so far this year.
Hooker - Damien Cook (age 27)
Origins: 3
Origin tries: Nil
The focal point of the Blues attack, and for good reason. The Kangaroos No.9 is first in try assists and his league-leading 98 dummy-half runs are 30 more than the next best in Cameron Smith. He's also third in tackles.
Prop - Paul Vaughan (age 28)
Origins: 4
Origin tries: Nil
Retains his spot after a strong campaign with the Blues last year, and being a rock for St George Illawarra in trying circumstances this year. Has plenty of leg speed that can take advantage of slow-moving defensive lines.
Second-row - Boyd Cordner (age 26)
Origins: 12
Origin tries: 2
Aiming to be the first Blues skipper since Danny Buderus to lead the state to back-to-back series victories. The ever-reliable left-edge back-rower will punch holes in the Maroons defence all night long in an expected 80-minute effort.
Second-row - Tyson Frizell (age 27)
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 2
Coming into camp a little weary after a sickening last-start concussion, Frizell will hold up the Blues' right edge before likely being spelled by Angus Crichton. Could get some minutes in the middle if his body can handle it.
Lock - Jake Trbojevic (age 25)
Origins: 7
Origin tries: Nil
Arguably the best hitman in the NRL and fifth in tackles overall, Trbojevic will be relied upon to keep the Blues' defensive middle intact. He can act as a glue player in attack as well, using his passing game to get the ball to the edges.
Bench - Jack Wighton (age 26)
Origins: Debut
Origin tries: Nil
Replacing the versatile Tyrone Peachey for the utility spot, the in-form Wighton will slot in almost anywhere along the backline should injuries or concussions occur. Can pinch-hit in the forwards if Fittler wants a spark as well.
Bench - Payne Haas (age 19)
Origins: Debut
Origin tries: Nil
With just 10 NRL games to his name, the 19-year-old from Brisbane has garnered plenty of attention ahead of his anticipated Origin debut. Has also observed the holy month of Ramadan during camp after converting to Islam over the summer.
Bench - Cameron Murray (age 21)
Origins: Debut
Origin tries: Nil
The South Sydney lock gets his debut following the controversial standing down of incumbent Jack de Belin. A link man in the middle in attack, but a hitman in defence that can change the momentum of a set.
Bench - Angus Crichton (age 23)
Origins: 3
Origin tries: Nil
Holds his spot following a solid start with new club Sydney Roosters this year. Expected to spell Tyson Frizell on the edge, where he can punch a hole, but can also throw his weight around in the middle if required.
