All eyes will be on Bulldogs flyer Josh Addo-Carr on Sunday afternoon as Blues coach Brad Fittler prepares to name his squad for the opening game of this year’s State of Origin series.
Addo-Carr is set to return from syndesmosis surgery against the Titans and will likely only need to prove himself fit to earn a spot in Fittler’s squad, which will be named on Sunday night.
The try-scoring specialist was a surprise omission in last year’s Blues side, which suffered a 2-1 series defeat to the Maroons, but has made an immediate impact at the Bulldogs.
BLUES SELECTION VERDICT: Freddy’s job on line as massive call looms
Radley escapes binning after headbutt | 00:51
That, of course, was before going down with an ankle injury in the Good Friday game against South Sydney and that lay-off could put Addo-Carr’s spot in the squad in doubt.
Even if Addo-Carr gets through 80 minutes unscathed against the Titans, Fox League’s James Hooper said earlier this week he still doesn’t think it will be enough to earn selection.
“I don’t think they are going to pick him, because he is only going to have 80 minutes under his belt,” Hooper said on NRL 360 on Wednesday night.
“I love the Foxx, I love his energy and you can’t put a price on speed, and he has proven he can do it at that level whether it be for NSW or Australia.
“But given that he is only going to get 80 minutes and the form of premiership-winning duo Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton, I think that’s the way the Blues go.”
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
QLD enforcer retires from Origin | 00:33
Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham is another option on the wing, although he could also earn a maiden Blues jumper in his preferred position — and at the expense of Tom Trbojevic.
The Manly fullback, like Addo-Carr, will have one final game to prove himself after being burned in defence on multiple occasions in the past fortnight since returning from injury.
Trbojevic’s game-breaking ability is undeniable but there are serious questions as to whether he is too much of a defensive liability at this stage for the Origin arena.
That could prove especially true if the Maroons opt for noted speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in the centres, which would be quite the mismatch if he lined up against Trbojevic.
Roosters fullback James Tedesco is locked in for the fullback jumper while Panthers duo Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary are almost certain to partner each other in the halves.
The next question is who starts at hooker, with Damien Cook and Apisai Koroisau the likely options.
FOX LEAGUE PODCAST – NICHO HYNES
The Sharks superstar joins Darcie McDonald to chat Indigenous Round, his rapid rise from working as a teacher’s aide in Mackay to winning the Dally M. He also reveals the sliding doors moment of his career. Listen now >>>
SIREN CIRCUS PLAY SEES SAINTS WIN | 00:52
Whether one of the two comes off the bench or Fittler opts for a utility like reigning Dally M medallist Nicho Hynes or Canterbury’s Matt Burton is another major question to be answered.
Up front, you can lock in Junior Paulo and Payne Haas up front.
Paulo though could come off the bench should Jake Trbojevic prove himself fit as he returns from a calf injury for Manly against Canberra.
Elsewhere, Cameron Murray and Isaah Yeo are locked into starting spots in the back-row with the other vacant jumper in the second row to be determined.
Liam Martin, Haumole Olakau’atu, Hudson Young, Tyson Frizell and Angus Crichton are all vying for spots with Keaon Koloamatangi (leg) and Shaun Lane (hamstring) unavailable.
Those who miss out on the starting role would come into contention for a bench spot as would the likes of Jacob Saifiti and Tevita Tatola up front.
Ryan Matterson could have been another contender but appears to be in doubt after suffering a calf injury in Parramatta’s win over South Sydney on Friday.
Going off the past few years, expect for New South Wales to name its squad at around 8pm on Sunday.
NSW SELECTION STATE OF PLAY
FULLBACK
Incumbent: James Tedesco
Contenders: James Tedesco, Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic, Dylan Edwards
WINGERS
Incumbents: Brian To’o and Daniel Tupou
Contenders: Josh Addo-Carr, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Campbell Graham, Joseph Suaalii and Alex Johnston
Unavailable: Daniel Tupou (hamstring)
CENTRES
Incumbents: Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton (Game II and III) / Jack Wighton and Kotoni Staggs (Game I)
Contenders: Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic, Campbell Graham, Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton and Kotoni Staggs
Unavailable: Jack Wighton (retired from representative football)
FIVE-EIGHTH
Incumbent: Jarome Luai
Contenders: Jarome Luai, Nicho Hynes and Cody Walker
HALFBACK
Incumbent: Nathan Cleary
LOCK
Incumbent: Isaah Yeo
SECOND ROWERS
Incumbents: Liam Martin / Cameron Murray (Game I and II) / Tariq Sims (Game I)
Contenders: Cameron Murray, Liam Martin, Hudson Young, Tyson Frizell, Haumole Olakau’atu and Angus Crichton
Unavailable: Keaon Koloamatangi (leg), Shaun Lane (hamstring)
HOOKER
Incumbent: Damien Cook (Game I and II) Api Koroisau (Game III)
Contenders: Damien Cook, Api Koroisau and Reece Robson
PROPS
Incumbents: Payne Haas (Game I and II) / Junior Paulo (Game II and III) / Jake Trbojevic (Game II and III) Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Game I)
Contenders: Payne Haas, Jake Trbojevic, Junior Paulo, Tevita Tatola, Jacob Saifiti and Jordan McLean
Unavailable: Reagan Campbell-Gillard (groin)
