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James Tedesco’s State of Origin exile is over with the Sydney Roosters captain seeing off Dylan Edwards to reclaim his crown as New South Wales’s premier fullback for the 27 May series opener in Sydney.
Picking between Edwards, who started all three games of last year’s losing series, was the hardest selection call Blues coach Laurie Daley had to make. But the form of the 33-year-old Tedesco, who has six tries and eight try assists across 10 games for the Roosters this season, proved too hard to resist.
Game one will mark Tedesco’s 24th Blues appearance and his first since the opening game of the 2024 series. He has previously played with the majority of Daley’s NSW side, which contains six debutants including Manly flyer Tolu Koula, Roosters lock Victor Radley and Cronulla duo Addin Fonua-Blake and Blayke Brailey.
Fonua-Blake and Radley have represented New Zealand and England in Test football but a change in eligibility rules has permitted both players to make their Origin bows.
Koula, meanwhile, is named to line up on the wing alongside Brian To’o with Kotoni Staggs and Stephen Crichton picked in the centres. The pair will be tasked with filling the void left by South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell, who withdrew from selection due to the fact he has struggling with a back injury over recent weeks.
Canberra’s Ethan Strange and Penrith’s Casey McLean are uncapped and have been named on the bench alongside Radley, Cameron Murray and the recalled Jacob Saifiti. The rest of the NSW side is as expected with Nathan Cleary partnering Mitchell Moses in the halves and Reece Robson selected at hooker.
The Maroons have stuck solid with 11 players that won the Origin decider last year in the historic 24-12 triumph in Sydney, while naming six debutants.
Sydney Roosters playmaker Sam Walker has been backed to guide Queensland from No 7, joining Dolphins pocket rocket Max Plath (lock) and Gold Coast winger Jojo Fifita as the new players in the starting side. Cronulla forward Briton Nikora (No 14) and Brisbane No 6 Ezra Mam (No 18) are listed on the six-man bench. Dolphins powerhouse Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is 20th man.
The omission of Broncos and Australia fullback Reece Walsh, below his best in recent weeks, will be a surprise to some but Newcastle talisman Kalyn Ponga has a wonderful pedigree in Origin football at No 1.
Walker was likened this week by Darren Lockyer to a modern-day Allan Langer due to his unpredictability and brilliance. The 23-year-old has proven to be a big-game player through 96 NRL games.
The Maroons brains trust are convinced he is ready to unleash his best at halfback after last year’s No 7 and player of the Origin series, Tom Dearden, suffered a syndesmosis injury playing for North Queensland.
Thomas Flegler’s return to action this year was an inspirational story of dedication and commitment in itself, after spending 677 days on the sidelines due to a shoulder nerve issue. The 26-year-old’s firebrand ways and uncompromising mentality upfront will be crucial.
Fifita has been one of the Titans’ best this season after being switched from wing to centre. He plays both positions with aplomb and will partner recalled Dolphins winger Selwyn Cobbo whose last month of football has seen him at his most damaging best.
Plath has been given a great responsibility at starting lock and also gives coach Billy Slater contingencies with his versatility. His stellar display in the 32-10 win over South Sydney on Thursday night sealed his selection.
NSW team: James Tedesco, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Kotoni Staggs, Tolu Koula*, Mitchell Moses, Nathan Cleary, Addin Fonua-Blake, Reece Robson, Mitch Barnett, Hudson Young, Haumole Olakau’atu, Isaah Yeo (capt). Interchange: Cameron Murray, Victor Radley*, Jacob Saifiti, Blayke Brailey*, Ethan Strange*, Casey McLean*. Reserve: Dylan Lucas*.
Queensland team: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Selwyn Cobbo, 3. Robert Toia, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11, Reuben Cotter, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Max Plath, 14. Briton Nikora, 15, Lindsay Collins, 16, Pat Carrigan, 17, Trent Loiero, 18. Ezra Mam, 19. Gehamat Shibasaki, 20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.
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