One of the criticisms of Laurie Daley during his first stint as NSW coach were his selections.
Considered too loyal to players who didn’t repay the faith, Daley will officially name his side for the opening game against Queensland on Monday.
These will be his biggest selection dilemmas.
Edwards or Tedesco at fullback?
Such is the fullback talent available in the NRL at the moment, that several star No.1s are likely to be picked for the Blues out of position.
The main debate surrounds who will wear the No.1 jersey. Dylan Edwards is the incumbent and, despite the Panthers having a slow start to their title defence, has done little wrong this year.
Tedesco, meanwhile, is playing as well as ever. The Roosters captain is averaging 203 running metres per game (189 metres for Edwards) and currently sits equal third in the Dally M medal standings.
Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell and Ryan Papenhuyzen are other custodians pushing for NSW selection in other spots, but the shoot-out for the No.1 jersey is between Tedesco and Edwards.
It was a huge call from previous Blues coach Michael Maguire to drop Tedesco, and it would be an even bigger call from Daley to bring him back at Edwards’ expense.
Luai or Moses?
Nathan Cleary is a lock for the No.7 jersey, but then it gets interesting.
His halves partner is a race in two, Jarome Luai or Mitchell Moses. Both make compelling cases.
Big calls for Loz … Dylan Edwards or James Tedesco? Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses?Credit: Graphic: Stephen Kiprillis
Luai was Cleary’s partner in crime during Penrith’s premiership streak, although Luai’s move to Wests Tigers has broken up the combination at club level. A Blues reunion would provide NSW a strong Panthers connection given that Edwards, Brian To’o, Liam Martin, Isaiah Yeo and former Panther Stephen Crichton have played so much football together.
For all the success the Cleary-Luai combination has enjoyed at club level, they have won just three of their past four State of Origin matches together.
Moses, meanwhile, has been victorious in his past three appearances in sky blue. If he was to combine with Cleary, it would give NSW two outstanding last-tackle options that would be difficult to defend. The Parramatta halfback has made a huge difference to the Eels since his return from a foot injury.
Do the Blues need a new prop and skipper?
Jake Trbojevic did a wonderful job as captain last year, but is under immense pressure to retain his spot. Playing at prop rather than his customary lock position, the Manly veteran played just 85 minutes in last year’s series, but was hailed as the glue that held the team together on and off the field.
Payne Haas is an automatic selection, but his prop partner remains undecided. Terrell May has been a standout since shifting from the Roosters to the Tigers, but Daley is wary of blooding rookies in the furnace that is Suncorp Stadium.
Warrior Mitch Barnett picks himself, but there’s a school of thought his best contribution is from the bench.
Jacob Saifiti has the advantage of having played at Origin level before, ditto Stefano Utoikamanu, while Max King is in form for the first-placed Bulldogs.
If Jake Trbojevic is dropped, Daley will need a new skipper. The obvious candidates are Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, who share the role at club level. Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton could be a smokey skipper.
One incumbent winger or two?
Brian To’o and Zac Lomax, who did the job for the Blues last year, are coming into this series with just one game under their belt. Daley is reluctant to pick them both given how little football they have played.
To’o is the more likely to hold his position, which leaves several options if Lomax is left out. If we are to lock in Stephen Crichton and Latrell Mitchell as the centre options (injury has ruled Bradman Best out of discussions), Tom Trbojevic comes into the frame for a wing spot. Otherwise, there’s newbie Jacob Kiraz or old head Josh Addo-Carr.
Mark Nawaqanitawase has shown Origin is in his future, but might still be a year away.
The bench
Cameron Murray’s injury will allow Isaah Yeo to start at lock. That leaves bench options that include Mitch Barnett, Spencer Leniu, Connor Watson, Hudson Young, Haumole Olakau’atu, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Matt Burton and Latrell Mitchell.
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