3 minute read
How the NSW side will shape up for Origin I in Townsville.
HOW NSW WILL SHAPE UP FOR ORIGIN 1:
Fullback - James Tedesco (capt)
Age: 28
Origins: 13
Origin tries: 7
The Sydney Roosters star steps into the captaincy role again this series in place of Boyd Cordner. The most experienced player in the team, Tedesco will provide the inspiration and high standards for the young Blues.
Winger - Brian To'o
Age: 22
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
The Penrith winger comes in to make his Origin debut on the back of irresistible form for the undefeated NRL ladder-leaders. To'o leads the league with an astonishing 245 running metres a game.
Centre - Tom Trbojevic
Age: 24
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 5
In eight NRL games this year, the Manly fullback has reaffirmed his reputation as one of the league's best players with 12 try-assists and eight of his own. Only beaten to the No.1 position by Tedesco.
Centre - Latrell Mitchell
Age: 23
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 2
The South Sydney fullback makes his return to the Origin arena for the first time since he was dropped after game one of 2019. A redemption story is brewing with a return to the centres for the Blues.
Winger - Josh Addo-Carr
Age: 25
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 8
Now one of the first players picked in the NSW side, Melbourne winger Addo-Carr is considered one of the fastest players in the game and the Blues will once again look to use his speed down the sideline.
Five-eighth - Jarome Luai
Age: 24
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
A long-term partnership with Nathan Cleary in the halves led Penrith to the grand final last season and an undefeated start to 2021. It may be Luai's Origin debut but he'll be right at home next to his halfback.
Halfback - Nathan Cleary
Age: 23
Origins: 8
Origin tries: 0
One of six Penrith boys named in the Blues side, Cleary is the on-field leader of both teams. Although he has another new halves partner at Origin level, his combination with Luai has been building since they were teenagers.
Prop - Daniel Saifiti
Age: 24
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 0
The Newcastle prop is young in years but not experience. Heading into his third Origin series, Saifiti has been in top form for the struggling Knights and will relish a return to this level.
Hooker - Damien Cook
Age: 29
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 2
It's been a slower start to the year than the South Sydney star is used to, but his runs from dummy half never fail to terrorise a defensive line. The Kangaroos hooker is still the best in the business.
Prop - Jake Trbojevic
Age: 27
Origins: 12
Origin tries: 1
The older of the Trbojevic brothers plays with his heart on his sleeve and fire in his belly. After playing at lock for Manly this year, a return to the front row will give the Blues some creativity.
Second-row - Cameron Murray
Age: 23
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
An ankle injury kept the South Sydney lock sidelined for all but one game in the past month so his preparation coming into Wednesday night will be key to getting the most out of him.
Second-row - Tariq Sims
Age: 31
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 0
The St George Illawarra second-rower was a bolter in the side but comes into the team with some solid form. It's just his third State of Origin game after making his debut back in 2018.
Lock - Isaah Yeo
Age: 26
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 0
Solid, reliable and tough. The Panthers co-captain has everything it takes to be a mainstay in the NSW side and has the chance to show it on Wednesday night when he starts for the first time at Origin level.
Interchange:
Jack Wighton
Age: 28
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 1
The robust Canberra five-eighth has been relegated to the bench to start this series but his utility value makes him the perfect replacement. His power running will be a handful for tired defenders.
Junior Paulo
Age: 27
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
Immortal Andrew Johns has described Paulo as a halfback in a prop's body and it's that precise combination of skills that will create space for the Blues in the middle on Wednesday night.
Payne Haas
Age: 21
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
The towering prop has been Brisbane's best player this season for little reward. Stepping into the Origin arena, all eyes will be on Haas and his running battle with Queensland lock Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.
Liam Martin
Age: 24
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
The Temora product was a late inclusion to the side after Tyson Frizell was ruled out with an ankle injury. It's a deserved debut for Martin in any case after his solid form with Penrith.
18th man: Api Koroisau
Age: 28
Origins: 0
Tries: 0
