NSW State of Origin team game one 2017
Stuart Honeysett
1. James Tedesco
Origins: 1
The Wests Tigers fullback has a difficult season after coach Jason Taylor was sacked and decided his future was better served at the Sydney Roosters. Some have even questioned whether he still deserves a NSW jumper given his recent form but he still stops the statistics at his club for run metres and tackle busts. He is dynamite when on song and the Blues will be hoping that's the case against the Maroons.
2. Blake Ferguson
Origins: 4
The Sydney Roosters winger is tall and powerful and can rip apart a defensive line when in the right mood. He tops the count for line breaks (9) at his club and was part of the Australian team that out muscled New Zealand in the Anzac Test.
3. Josh Dugan
Origins: 9
The St George Illawarra fullback hasn't been sighted since fracturing his cheekbone playing for Australia against New Zealand in the Anzac Test on May 5. His contact work could be limited in camp forcing NSW coach Laurie Daley to make a call on how long he will carry him for. On his day he is a damaging ball runner and solid defender which is why the Blues are happy to gamble on him.
4. Jarryd Hayne
Origins: 20
The last time the Gold Coast outside back pulled on a NSW jumper in 2014 the Blues won the series and he was awarded the Brad Fittler medal. He is a proven Origin performer and a player Queenslanders fear. He has shown glimpses of his best form in his first season back in the NRL although his cause hasn't been helped after shifting to the centres. Blues coach Laurie Daley will be obviously hoping for a better result.
5. Brett Morris
Origins: 12
The Canterbury winger etched his name in NSW folklore when he dislocated his shoulder scoring a try only to carry it for the rest of the match and pull off a try-saving tackle on Darius Boyd. His form hasn't been anything to write home about at the Bulldogs this season (even he has said he'd be surprised if he was picked) but coach Laurie Daley knows that he will never let him down.
6. James Maloney
Origins: 6
The Cronulla five-eighth has become something of a talismanic player in the NRL after helping steer the Warriors to a grand final, and the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla to a premiership. He might not be the biggest player running around but he can take a whack and still get up which is tailor-made for Origin. He can also leak a penalty so he will need to be on his best behaviour or risk giving the Maroons a leg-up.
7. Mitchell Pearce
Origins: 15
The oft-maligned Sydney Roosters halfback has never tasted success in a State of Origin series and has divided Blues fans for a number of years as to whether he's the best man for the job. He has been in good form for the Roosters this season and his combination with Luke Keary has been a major reason in their turn around in fortunes. His kicking and running game will be crucial to the Blues chances of success.
8. Aaron Woods
Origins: 11
It was only a couple of weeks ago that the dreams of the Wests Tigers prop playing Origin for NSW looked over after he injured his groin against Cronulla. He made a timely return against Brisbane on Friday night but was on the wrong end of the scoreboard after the Tigers were walloped 36-0. Big and mobile, he can trample opposition defences and get his side rolling forward.
9. Nathan Peats
Origins: 0
The tough-as-teak Gold Coast hooker has been touted as an Origin player for a few seasons but has never been able to get past Robbie Farah. He looked set to be overlooked again until Penrith's Peter Wallace was ruled out for up to six weeks with a groin problem. Peats might lack the attacking spark of other hookers but he is as hard as they come in defence and that will be sorely tested against the Maroons.
10. Andrew Fifita
Origins: 7
The Cronulla forward has attracted his fair share of controversy throughout his career but can be an unstoppable force when his mind is on the job. His try in the Sharks' grand final when he dragged defenders over the line with him helped secure the club's first premiership. He is light on his feet for a big man and can prove hard to hold out when a scoring opportunity arises.
