Laurie Daley will name his NSW Blues side at the end of the weekend and there are some big calls to make.
With Round 11 representing the final chance for hopefuls to mount their selection claims, we break down the contenders in every position and predict what the Blues 17 could look like.
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FULLBACK
Incumbents: James Tedesco (Game I), Dylan Edwards (Game II and Game III)
Contenders: Dylan Edwards, James Tedesco, Ryan Papenhuyzen
Analysis: James Tedesco played the first game of last year’s series after he was a late call-up for the injured Dylan Edwards. But the Blues suffered defeat in that game, and then Edwards took his spot for the last two games of the series, with the Blues claiming wins in both of those games, and NSW winning their first series decider at Suncorp Stadium since 2005. On the back of that series win, Edwards was the raging favourite to retain his jersey entering this season, however he has been outshone by Tedesco in 2025. The Roosters skipper has been sensational, especially over the past month, with the Chooks having won three of their last four games. Edwards was strong in Penrith’s Magic Round win over Brisbane, but along with his team has been somewhat inconsistent this season. On current form, Tedesco should be picked, but Laurie Daley is expected to put plenty of stock into last year’s series result. Tom Trbojevic is in the running, especially after a ringing endorsement from legend Andrew Johns, but he can be picked elsewhere in the backline given his versatility. Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen has emerged as a dark horse selection but he’d need a minor miracle to gain a start, although he could nab a spot on the bench.
Selection: Dylan Edwards
WING
Incumbents: Brian To’o and Zac Lomax
Contenders: Brian To’o, Zac Lomax, Tom Trbojevic, Josh Addo-Carr, Jacob Kiraz, Daniel Tupou,
Analysis: Brian To’o was one of the stars of the Blues’ series win in 2024, but has only just returned from a hamstring injury for a Panthers side that has been below their best in 2025. Eels outside back Zac Lomax has also been sidelined with a foot injury, but is set to return against the Knights giving him 80 minutes to press his claims. Lomax is a fierce competitor who is ahead of schedule in his recovery as he’s bursting to put the Blues jersey on again. The incumbents would do a great job again if picked for game one, but with Latrell Mitchell pushing for a spot in the centres, it could mean Tom Trbojevic switches to the wing where he has starred for the Blues in the past. That would mean either To’o or Lomax making way in a bid to get Trbojevic into the side somewhere. Lomax’s height and ability in the air may mean To’o is the unlucky man out. Should injuries strike in Round 11 Bulldogs flyer Jacob Kiraz is right in the thick of calculations. He scored a hat-trick during Magic Round, with his coach singing his praises post-match. “If he keeps playing like that, he’s going to be banging the door down (of NSW selection,” Cameron Ciraldo said. Also in Kiraz’s favour is his right-side combination at club land with Stephen Crichton, who is going to be one of the first picked for the Blues. The two have formed a lethal partnership, and Kiraz’s tough-nose approach and willingness to do the hard stuff is an attribute needed at Origin level. Veteran winger Daniel Tupou has been winding back the clock for the Roosters while Josh Addo-Carr has found his feet – and his speed – at the Eels and either could do a job if called upon.
Selection: Tom Trbojevic and Zac Lomax
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CENTRES
Incumbents: Joseph Suaalii (Game I), Latrell Mitchell (Game II), Bradman Best (Game III), Stephen Crichton
Contenders: Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Bradman Best, Tom Trbojevic, Matt Burton, Bronson Xerri, Kotoni Staggs, Jesse Ramien, Kayal Iro, Reuben Garrick
Analysis: Given he played in all three games in last year’s Blues series win, and he is captain of the ladder leading Bulldogs, Stephen Crichton can be locked in for one of these positions. While Bradman Best played in the decider last year, the other spot will likely go to either Latrell Mitchell or Tom Trbojevic. Best was super in Newcastle’s win over Souths recently, but his form this season has been patchy as the Knights have struggled mightily to score points. At this stage, it appears Mitchell and Trbojevic will be fighting for the other centre spot, but Mitchell may have played himself into the jersey with a starring display against the Broncos. We all know how good and dominant Mitchell can be in the Origin arena and he is a big game player. Cooper Cronk labelled him the best big moment player in the game and it doesn’t get much bigger than Origin. Despite a slow start to the season with Manly, Trbojevic had a terrific outing in an upset win over Penrith. A player of his quality is hard to leave out, but it is his durability that is the concern. If fully fit though, Trbojevic deserves to be picked somewhere and we have got him on the wing. Bronson Xerri has had a stellar season so far and is in the frame as well but he is the outsider in the field unless injuries strike.
Selection: Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton
FIVE-EIGHTH
Incumbent: Jarome Luai
Contenders: Jarome Luai, Mitchell Moses, Matt Burton
Analysis: One of the more intriguing positional battles is five-eighth although in recent weeks, it’s become quite clear who should win the job. Mitchell Moses has proven since returning from a foot injury how important he is to the Eels. They’re a markedly better team with him in the line-up. He orchestrated a win against the Tigers, outplaying Jarome Luai on Easter Monday. Luai will be hard done by if he is dropped given he has performed well in new colours, leading the Tigers to a top eight spot until their loss to the Storm, and was a huge reason why NSW won last year. However, it’s hard to see Daley leaving Moses out given the Blues coach has gone on the record with how impressed with what the playmaker did in last year’s series in Nathan Cleary’s absence. “I thought his kicking game was fantastic last year,” Daley said. “His ability to be able to make the plays when the game was on the line really impressed me. In game three, when the big moments rolled around, he was able to deliver. I think he’s got the ability to play five-eighth in Origin as well.” The Blues are blessed with five-eighth options and Luai and Matt Burton are waiting in the wings should injuries strike throughout the series.
Selection: Mitchell Moses
HALFBACK
Incumbent: Mitchell Moses
Contenders: Nathan Cleary, Mitchell Moses, Nicho Hynes, Isaiya Katoa
Analysis: Cleary missed the whole of last year’s series, and Moses answered an SOS from coach Michael Maguire after the Blues lost game one with Nicho Hynes in the No.7 jersey for the opener. Moses went on to play a starring role in games two and three to guide NSW to a series win. While Cleary has featured in three series wins for NSW, in 2018, 2019 and 2021, he probably didn’t dominate in those series victories in the same way Moses did in 2024. Moses has come back in good form but Cleary will likely still be the chief playmaker for Daley. The Penrith half has been the best player in the world over the past five years and his Magic Round performance against the Broncos recently was simply outstanding. Moses and Hynes are in solid form if injuries strike, even though the latter said his focus is not on Origin at the moment.
Selection: Nathan Cleary
PROP
Incumbents: Jake Trbojevic and Payne Haas
Contenders: Payne Haas, Mitch Barnett, Stefano Utoikamanu, Jake Trbojevic, Spencer Leniu, Terrell May, Lindsay Smith
Analysis: Payne Haas has had a sensational start for the Broncos in 2025 and will be a certainty for selection. He’s the best prop in the game. Who would start alongside him was a big question mark heading into 2025. Mitch Barnett has been getting through a mountain of work for the Warriors and the unheralded beast looks set to earn his first Origin start. Barnett has his nose in front of Storm young gun Stefano Utoikamanu, who has played one game for the Blues in 2023 and looks set to earn a recall on the bench. Spencer Leniu is also set to be picked in Daley’s game one squad on the bench, according to Code Sports. Terrell May has also impressed over the first nine rounds of the season. May was terrific for the Roosters last season, but was on limited minutes given the Chooks had a raft of quality front-rowers. May has started every game for his new club this season, leads all props in minutes played and is in ‘buy of the season’ territory, but Laurie Daley isn’t sold just yet and one feels injuries would be his only way in at the moment. Jake Trbojevic was skipper in a series winning team in 2024, but spent a lot of time on the bench and has been underwhelming this season for a struggling Manly side. While his leadership was invaluable for the Blues during last year’s series win, he’s long odds to be picked for game one. However, Matty Johns believes NSW don’t need a team of champions, rather they need a champion team and he would still pick Trbojevic to start, even if he isn’t the skipper.
Selection: Payne Haas and Mitch Barnett
HOOKER
Incumbent: Reece Robson
Contenders: Reece Robson, Connor Watson, Api Koroisau, Wayde Egan, Damien Cook
Analysis: Michael Maguire had complete faith in Reece Robson, picking him to start in all three games without choosing a second hooker on the bench. Robson got the job done and while he hasn’t set the world on fire in 2025, with the Cowboys at 4-4, nobody is knocking down the door to take his jumper. Api Koroisau would be the closest contender as he’s played an important role in the Tigers’ resurrection this season without being a superstar. Connor Watson is also in hot form for the resurgent Roosters, but will likely be retained in his bench role for NSW. Wayde Egan is in great form for the second placed Warriors and wouldn’t let anyone down if injuries strike. Dragons hooker Damien Cook has shown glimpses of the form that saw him play 18 Origins between 2018 and 2023, but his side has struggled and unless there is an injury crisis, his Origin days might be over.
Selection: Reece Robson
Ryles confirms Lomax is ‘ready to go’ | 01:01
SECOND ROW
Incumbents: Liam Martin and Angus Crichton
Contenders: Hudson Young, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Jacob Preston, Haumole Olakau’atu, Keaon Koloamatangi
Analysis: Hudson Young has been picked for game one for the past two years and he’s been dropped after game one for the past two years. But on current form the Raiders try-scoring machine is the best edge forward in New South Wales. Kangaroos duo Liam Martin and Angus Crichton should still make the 17, with the former expected to earn the other starting spot. Crichton won the 2024 Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series, but Martin is one of the hardest-working players in the NRL which is where Origin games are won. Rising Bulldogs star Jacob Preston was a smoky but he failed to overturn a three-game ban for a crusher tackle at the judiciary on Tuesday night and will now spend four weeks on the sideline which makes him ineligible for selection. Haumole Olakau’atu and Keaon Koloamatangi have both played for NSW and could come into calculations if there are injuries.
Selection: Hudson Young and Liam Martin
LOCK
Incumbents: Cameron McInnes (Game I) and Cameron Murray (Game II and Game III)
Contenders: Isaah Yeo, Cameron McInnes
Analysis: Incumbent Cameron Murray is out for the season with an Achilles injury which means Kangaroos skipper Isaah Yeo will reclaim his Blues starting spot. Yeo played the 2024 series off the bench, but after helping the Panthers to their fourth straight premiership and captaining Australia to victory in last year’s Pacific Championships final, he’ll get the nod over Sharks workhorse Cameron McInnes who played in game one in last year’s series.
Selection: Isaah Yeo
Hynes not motivated by SOO this year | 00:43
BENCH
Incumbents: Isaah Yeo, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young (Game I), Connor Watson (Game II and Game III), Haumole Olakau’atu (Game I and Game II), Mitch Barnett (Game III)
Contenders(if selected above, not featured here): Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Connor Watson, Stefano Utoikamanu, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Matt Burton, Terrell May, Api Koroisau, Damien Cook, Jake Trbojevic, Keaon Koloamatangi, Lindsay Smith, Jacob Preston, Stefano Utoikamanu, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tyran Wishart
Analysis: If the 2024 player of the series, Angus Crichton, misses the starting side then he’ll be the first selected on the bench. Connor Watson played the last two games of the 2024 series and has been in strong touch for the Roosters this season. Another Roosters gun forward, Spencer Leniu, is also set to keep his bench spot after impressing in all three games last year. Bulldogs back-rower Jacob Preston was a big chance but he lost at the judiciary and copped a four-game ban, which ruled him out of contention. Matt Burton is the perfect versatile squad player, despite being brutally named 18th man more times than he would like to admit. Storm prop Stefano Utoikamanu and Sea Eagles back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu have also made strong starts to the season for their respective clubs and could force their way onto the pine; the coach who has revived Utoikamanu in Melbourne, Craig Bellamy, is acting as a special advisor to Daley. Keaon Koloamatangi was strong for the Blues last year, but could be a casualty of Souths’ slow start to the season and may have to settle for a spot in the extended squad for game one. The 2024 Blues captain Jake Trbojevic is expected to be the biggest casualty this year, despite leading NSW to a historic series victory in Brisbane.
Selection: Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Stefano Utoikamanu, Angus Crichton
PREDICTED NSW BLUES TEAM
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Tom Trbojevic
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Zac Lomax
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Payne Haas
9. Reece Robson
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Liam Martin
12. Hudson Young
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Connor Watson
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Stefano Utoikamanu
17. Angus Crichton
18. Keaon Koloamatangi
19. Ryan Papenhuyzen
