3 minute read
How NSW shape up for Origin III in Brisbane.
Fullback - James Tedesco (captain)
Age: 27
Origins: 12
Origin tries: 6
Has taken over as captain after Boyd Cordner's repeated head knocks. In his second game as Blues skipper he will be an attacking threat at the back.
Winger - Daniel Tupou
Age: 29
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 1
Scored his first Origin try in Game II in Sydney during his best performance for the Blues. Is a big aerial threat for the Blues on the left wing.
Centre - Clint Gutherson
Age: 26
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 0
Showed plenty of energy in defence in Sydney and he is well suited to playing out-of-position at centre for NSW.
Centre - Jack Wighton
Age: 26
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 1
Managed to handle Dane Gagai well in Sydney and scored the first try of the second half. It was his first try at Origin level.
Winger - Josh Addo-Carr
Age: 24
Origins: 8
Origin tries: 8
Has scored four tries this series to go with his career-best form for the Storm. His speed is unmatched on the field.
Five-eighth - Cody Walker
Age: 30
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 1
Returned to the halves in Game II and was a standout for the Blues. Will be looking to back it up in Brisbane for the shield.
Halfback - Nathan Cleary
Age: 23
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 0
Answered critics with a dominant kicking display in Game II and will need to be at his best again for the Blues at Suncorp Stadium. Was the NRL's pre-eminent half this year at Penrith.
Prop - Daniel Saifiti
Age: 24
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
Has played the most minutes of any prop across the first two games and showed his impact in both. Will need to give another big performance in Brisbane.
Hooker - Damien Cook
Age: 29
Origins: 8
Origin tries: 2
Found more space around the ruck in Sydney with quicker play-the-balls from his forwards. His club combination with Cody Walker will again be important.
Prop - Payne Haas
Age: 20
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
Played big minutes in the middle in Sydney but will be eager to atone for being sin-binned late in the game.
Second-row - Angus Crichton
Age: 24
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 0
Showed speed and footwork on the edge as a replacement for Cordner in Sydney and will again be an attacking threat in Brisbane.
Second-row - Tyson Frizell
Age: 29
Origins: 13
Origin tries: 3
The Blues' most-experienced player was aggressive in defence in Sydney but is sporting a nasty black eye this week after a head clash with Addo-Carr.
Lock - Jake Trbojevic
Age: 26
Origins: 11
Origin tries: 1
Offers grunt up the middle as well as ball-playing ability. Engages the line more than any other forward in the NRL before passing.
Interchange:
Dale Finucane
Age: 29
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
Was enormous in Game II with more than 100 running metres in just 24 minutes from the bench.
Junior Paulo
Age: 26
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 0
Back on the bench but now with the ability to break the game open with his offloads and passing game through the middle.
Nathan Brown
Age: 27
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
Provided mongrel in his 17-minute stint from the bench in his State of Origin debut last week. Has been given an impact role off the bench and asked to cause chaos.
Isaah Yeo
Age: 26
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
Had a great season at Penrith and provides options from the bench with his versatility. Will come on at lock but can move to an edge if required.
