State of Origin: Blues name five debutants in 19-man squad for series opener

NSW coach Laurie Daley has named five debutants in an extended 19-man squad for State of Origin I.  

NSW's Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres announced the squad at Sydney's Star City Casino this morning. 

No positions were named in the squad, with the 19-man group to be whittled down later in the week.

As expected, Adam Reynolds and James Maloney were selected as the Blues' likely halves pairing - the fourth change in combination is as many years.

The Dragons' Tyson Frizell was a surprise selection and could make his NSW debut.

The Panthers' Josh Mansour and Matt Moylan, Rabbitoh Adam Reynolds, and Manly's Dylan Walker were also selected for their first Origin squad.

"I think at the moment there's a couple of guys that are in doubt, so we wanted to make sure we had all our bases covered," Daley said. 

"We don't have to name our team until later in the week, so we'll continue to keep everyone guessing."

Veteran Beau Scott, Ryan Hoffman, Trent Hodkinson and Mitchell Pearce are among the casualties from last year's series loss. 

Daley said he found it particularly difficult to tell the axed players they had not been selected. 

"They're good players, but more importantly they're good men," Daley said. 

"I feel for those guys."

Panthers young gun Bryce Cartwright was named in the squad as a development player, but has already been ruled out of contention with a thumb injury. 

NSWRL says Daley will name a replacement for Cartwright "in due course".

The State of Origin series kicks off on June 1 at ANZ Stadium.

FULL NSW SQUAD:

Greg Bird

Boyd Cordner

Josh Dugan

Robbie Farah

Blake Ferguson

Andrew Fifita

Tyson Frizell

Paul Gallen (captain)

Josh Jackson

Michael Jennings

David Klemmer

James Maloney

Josh Mansour

Josh Morris

Matt Moylan

Adam Reynolds

James Tamou

Dylan Walker

Aaron Woods