Stephen Crichton is set to miss out on a spot in NSW’s starting side for State of Origin Game 1, while the Blues have reportedly made a big call on the fullback position.
The Origin series opener in Sydney is just two weeks away and both NSW and Queensland will announce their squads following Magic Round on Monday.
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Reports emerged on Wednesday NSW coach Laurie Daley was set to name James Tedesco at fullback, overlooking incumbent Dylan Edwards. Both fullbacks are in superb form for their clubs, but it would be a huge call to recall 33-year-old Tedesco to the Origin arena.
“There were some mumurs today that maybe Tedesco has got the spot,” Braith Anasta said on NRL 360 on Kayo Sports.
The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read said: “I would be surprised if Dylan Edwards is not the fullback. It’s a huge call.”
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary defended Edwards last weekend, saying: “If we’re talking about taking Dylan Edwards out of the Origin team, then geez, it must be going well.”
The other intriguing selection calls are over who should be on the wing opposite Brian To’o and who will partner Latrell Mitchell in the centres.
Broncos star Kotoni Staggs is firming for the centre position even though he is serving a suspension and won’t be able to push his case for selection at Magic Round.
But Staggs has been in stellar form for the Broncos and is set to be picked over Stephen Crichton, who has been a fixture in NSW’s side since his Origin debut in 2022 and has been pegged as a future Blues captain.
But Crichton has been hampered by a shoulder injury and the form of the Bulldogs could hinder the chances for the gun centre and his teammate Jacob Preston to be picked.
“We were hearing that Kotoni Staggs is a big chance for that right centre,” Anasta said.
Brent Read replied: “I’ve said Stephen Crichton should be there. He’s the best centre in the game.”
Another selection dilemma is over the wing position, with Panthers young gun Casey McLean the frontrunner to picked ahead of the likes of Josh Addo-Carr, Campbell Graham, Tom Jenkins and Jack Bostock.
“That’s surprised me. Casey McLean’s been exposed defensively at times this year,” Read said.
“Casey McLean started the year brilliant but his last month, he’s flat lined a bit. Even Ivan said at one point when he was getting talked about for Origin, he must be thinking about Origin.
“That would surprise me. I would have thought guys like Josh Addo-Carr and Campbell Graham who’ve been there, done it before, would have their nose in front for that wing spot.”
Broncos and Queensland great Gorden Tallis said: “Surely NSW have too much talent to pick (players) out of position. With the wingers and centres.”
Anasta added: “McLean has played wing for New Zealand. He’s not only a rising star but a player who could play for the next 10 years.
“There is a luxury of riches there. They could go with experience, they could go with rookies.”
There is also a growing school of thought that Isaah Yeo will start at prop to allow Daley to squeeze both the NSW captain and Cameron Murray into the starting side.
There are question marks over the form of Sharks prop Addin Fonua-Blake, but in the absence of the injured Payne Haas, he is expected to be picked in the front row under the new eligibility rules.
Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange is firming for the bench utility role, while Warriors forwards Mitch Barnett and Jackson Ford are also in the mix for a spot on the bench.
Predicted NSW Blues squad for State of Origin Game 1
1. James Tedesco
2. Casey McLean
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Kotoni Staggs
5. Brian To’o
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Isaah Yeo/Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Reece Robson
10. Keaon Koloamatangi
11. Hudson Young
12. Haumole Olakau’atu
13. Cameron Murray
14. Ethan Strange
15. Keaon Koloamatangi
16. Mitch Barnett
17. Jackson Ford
18. Stephen Crichton
19. Campbell Graham
