'He'll be back': Blues coach Laurie Daley explains 'tough' decision to overlook Tom Trbojevic

NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has explained the "tough" decision to overlook Tom Trbojevic for the State of Origin season-opener.

Despite persistent injury niggles and amid a form slump, many believed Trbojevic was still a chance to return to the Blues at centre or wing.

Daley instead opted to keep Dylan Edwards at fullback, Zac Lomax and Brian To'o on the wings, and Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton in the centres.

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Speaking to media on Monday morning, Daley said Trbojevic's form and fitness both came into the equation.

"Everyone agrees Tom, if he's fit, is one of the best players in the game, so that was a tough decision," he said.

"We're comfortable with everyone we've selected in the outside backs. Tom needs to go back and play some good football and be confident. I have no doubt Tom will be back in this arena at some point, but it's always a tough decision.

"Tom is a wonderful player, but we just felt going to Queensland game one, Latrell (Mitchell) and Critta (Crichton) have been outstanding, and the two wingers - while they've only had one game back - we just felt at this particular point in time, that was the best option to go with."

While a concussion suffered in Manly's win over the Cowboys took the Jake Trbojevic decision out of Daley's hands, he refused to be drawn on whether or not he was going to be in the side anyway.

"It's funny, I think every Origin coach says the same thing, but you don't actually pencil anyone in until the final round is done," he said.

"Obviously you check on people you think are going to be in the team after every game and get the OK, but Jake, once he suffered that knock ... he was always going to be someone we spoke about, but once that happened he was ruled out."

Watch the 2025 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Elsewhere, Daley confirmed Nathan Cleary would once again pull on the No.7 and would be partnered by Mitch Moses at five-eighth.

Jarome Luai has been axed from the halves.

"I just feel Mitch is in great form," Daley said.

"He and Nathan can combine really well. Kicking games in Origin are so important, and we've got two of the best kickers in the game. Mitch is great with his communication, he's got a great running game - all the qualities he needs to be great at six."

The only fresh face in the side is Max King, named to make his debut off the bench. His selection caps off an incredible rise for the 28-year-old who struggled with injuries at the Storm, and arrived at Belmore three years ago with his career on the line.

Dylan Edwards retains his spot at fullback, while Payne Haas has been named in the front-row despite a quad injury suffered in round 11.

Haas isn't the only player under an injury cloud for the Blues, with star centre Stephen Crichton dealing with a groin complaint.

As a result, Souths centre Campbell Graham and Melbourne prop Stefano Utoikamanu have been named in the squad and will act as cover for both players.

Hudson Young has earned a recall on the bench, while Zac Lomax and Brian To'o keep their wing spots despite both players only getting through one game after injuries.

Latrell Mitchell, as expected, has been named in the centres for the Blues.

NSW Blues game one team

1. Dylan Edwards, 2. Brian To'o, 3. Stephen Crichton, 4. Latrell Mitchell, 5. Zac Lomax, 6. Mitchell Moses, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Mitch Barnett, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo, 14. Connor Watson, 15. Spencer Leniu, 16. Hudson Young, 17. Max King. Reserves: Campbell Graham, Stefano Utoikamanu, Haumole Olakau'atu