NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has made several bold selection decisions for the opening State of Origin match against Queensland, dropping Penrith star Dylan Edwards and handing Manly winger Tolutau Koula his debut in sky blue.
NSW Team for Game 1
The squad to face the Maroons at Sydney's Accor Stadium on May 27 is as follows:
- 1. James Tedesco
- 2. Brian To'o
- 3. Stephen Crichton
- 4. Kotoni Staggs
- 5. Tolutau Koula
- 6. Mitchell Moses
- 7. Nathan Cleary
- 8. Addin Fonua-Blake
- 9. Reece Robson
- 10. Mitch Barnett
- 11. Haumole Olakau'atu
- 12. Hudson Young
- 13. Isaah Yeo (captain)
The Blues bench features Cameron Murray, Victor Radley, Jacob Saifiti, Blayke Brailey, Ethan Strange, and Casey McLean, with Dylan Lucas named the 20th man.
Tedesco Recaptures Fullback Role
James Tedesco's State of Origin exile has ended as he reclaims the No.1 jersey. The 33-year-old Roosters star, who has six tries and eight try assists in 10 games this season, proved too difficult to overlook. Game one will mark Tedesco's 24th Blues appearance and his first since the opening game of the 2024 series.
Selecting between Edwards, who started all three games of last year's losing series, was the toughest call Daley had to make. However, Tedesco's outstanding form for the Roosters ultimately secured his spot.
Six Debutants Named
The Blues side includes six debutants: Manly flyer Tolu Koula, Roosters lock Victor Radley, Cronulla duo Addin Fonua-Blake and Blayke Brailey, Canberra's Ethan Strange, and Penrith's Casey McLean. Fonua-Blake and Radley have previously represented New Zealand and England in Test football, but a change in eligibility rules over the off-season has permitted both to make their Origin debuts.
Koula is named on the wing alongside Brian To'o, with Kotoni Staggs and Stephen Crichton in the centres. They fill the void left by South Sydney's Latrell Mitchell, who withdrew due to a back injury sustained a fortnight ago.
Latrell Mitchell Ruled Out
NSW suffered a significant blow on Sunday when Latrell Mitchell ruled himself out of game one. The centre aggravated his back injury during South Sydney's loss to the Dolphins at Magic Round and could not finish the match. Mitchell was considered a certainty for left centre if fit, and his absence leaves Kotoni Staggs, Tolu Koula, and Casey McLean as options in that position.
The Blues had expected to name Mitchell and manage his injury during camp, similar to the approach with Payne Haas and Brian To'o last year. However, Mitchell made the decision himself, forcing Daley to adjust his plans.
The rest of the NSW side is as anticipated, with Nathan Cleary partnering Mitchell Moses in the halves and Reece Robson at hooker. The Blues will aim to start the series strongly against Queensland on May 27.
