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A guide to the NSW team for State of Origin II against Queensland in Perth on June 23.
HOW NSW SHAPE UP FOR ORIGIN II
Fullback - James Tedesco (age 26)
Origins: 8
Origin tries: 3
Arguably the Blues' most dangerous threat in game one, producing a team-high 256 metres from 25 carries with five tackle breaks, two offloads and a try assist. He'll be relied upon again to provide the attacking thrust on a hard turf.
Winger - Josh Addo-Carr (age 23)
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 2
One of the Blues' best ball-carriers in game one, averaging over 10 metres on each of his 12 carries to finish with 143, although most were from his own territory. Always a danger with his electric speed.
Centre - Tom Trbojevic (age 22)
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 2
Considered a shoo-in before missing eight NRL games with a hamstring injury that ruled him out of contention for game 1. Rushed back in after two strong outings, replacing veteran Josh Morris, who was surprisingly dumped.
Centre - Jack Wighton (age 26)
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
The controversial selection at left centre following the shock dumping of Latrell Mitchell. Threw the critical intercept pass that gave Queensland the lead in game one, but gets a serious shot at redemption in the unfamiliar spot of centre.
Winger - Blake Ferguson (age 29)
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 0
Another who gets his shot at Origin redemption after seemingly been blacklisted since his infamous pub session with Josh Dugan prior to the 2017 decider. That December, he vowed not to have alcohol during the NRL season.
Five-eighth - James Maloney (age 33)
Origins: 12
Origin tries: 2
Despite leading NSW to a series victory last year, Maloney was overlooked in game one in favour of Cody Walker. Injuries to Luke Keary, Adam Reynolds and Mitchell Pearce, together with Walker's axing, paved the way for Maloney's return.
Halfback - Nathan Cleary (age 21)
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
May consider himself lucky to keep his spot after an underwhelming game-one outing, which followed a horror start to the NRL season at Penrith. Has yet to record a try or try assist in his four Origin games since debuting last year.
Prop - Daniel Saifiti (age 23)
Origins: Debut
Origin tries: 0
Gets his chance after a wrist injury to NRL teammate David Klemmer. At 121 kilograms, expect Saifiti, who was preparing to play for Fiji, to throw his weight around but could empty out early in the contest.
Hooker - Damien Cook (age 27)
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
One of the Blues' most potent weapons in game one, and will again be relied upon to pick apart any holes he can create around the ruck in game two. If the Maroons want to shut down one player, the Blues hooker is likely to be their man.
Prop - Paul Vaughan (age 28)
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
Enjoyed arguably his best Origin game in the series-opener, although will be hoping for more game time after playing for just 41 minutes. Will be relied upon to step up in the absence of injured prop David Klemmer.
Second-row - Boyd Cordner (age 27)
Origins: 13
Origin tries: 2
Played busted for most of game one, but further proved his toughness by backing up in both the Sydney Roosters' games prior to game two. With Wade Graham on the bench, there is talk the skipper could be given a rest or moved into the middle.
Second-row - Tyson Frizell (age 27)
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 2
Played the least minutes of any forward in game one, partly due to injuries and reduction in game time at club level. That could change for game two given the lack of experience in the middle following David Klemmer's absence.
Lock - Jake Trbojevic (age 25)
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 1
Proved he's more than a hitman with a late try in game-one. Will be hoping for a better management of his minutes however, after being left on the bench for half an hour between stints at Suncorp Stadium.
Interchange:
Dale Finucane (age 27)
Origins: Debut
Origin tries: 0
Of all the changes made by Fittler for game two, Finucane's is easily the most welcome after years of persistence in stints at Canterbury and Melbourne. A tireless workhorse who has added some subtlety to his game in the middle.
Tariq Sims (age 19)
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
A brutal enforcer on the edge who can often change the momentum of a match with a single jolting hit, Sims has earned a recall after making his Origin debut in last year's dead rubber. The timing of his injection could be key.
Cameron Murray (age 21)
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
His impressive debut was lost in the aftermath of the game-one loss, having set up a try an offloading four times in a 50-minute stint. Has the ability to move the ball in attack but also produce a series of thumping hits.
Wade Graham (age 28)
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
Replaces Jack Wighton as the team's utility after making a strong return from a nine-month layoff with a knee reconstruction with two strong outings for Cronulla. Has spent a bit of time at hooker in camp, but will likely play on the edge.
