HOW NSW SHAPE UP FOR ORIGIN I:
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Fullback - James Tedesco (capt)
Age: 30
Origins: 19
Origin tries: 7
His form has been under fire for the first time in his career but Tedesco is the Blues' most-experienced player and a proven performer on the big stage, so will be primed to silence his critics.
Winger - Brian To'o
Age: 24
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 3
To'o is one of the most reliable men out of yardage in the game and his chemistry with the healthy Penrith contingent will be crucial to NSW's chances.
Centre - Stephen Crichton
Age: 22
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
A late inclusion after first-choice 18th man Campbell Graham left camp through injury last Monday, Crichton now finds himself back in the team thanks to Latrell Mitchell's 11th hour withdrawal.
Centre - Tom Trbojevic
Age: 26
Origins: 8
Origin tries: 9
Trbojevic has been under an injury cloud all season but turned it on at the 11th hour to secure his spot. He was player of the series the last time he suited up so expect him to demand plenty of ball.
Winger - Josh Addo-Carr
Age: 27
Origins: 12
Origin tries: 10
Controversially overlooked last year, Addo-Carr needed only one game back from injury to receive the nod for a Blues recall. His explosive pace gives NSW an X-Factor on the right.
Five-eighth - Jarome Luai
Age: 26
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 2
Luai held off a stiff challenge from Nicho Hynes to retain his spot as five-eighth and must now repay the faith by unlocking Latrell Mitchell and Panthers teammate Brian To'o on the left. Could also spend some time at hooker.
Halfback - Nathan Cleary
Age: 25
Origins: 13
Origin tries: 2
No man is more important to the Blues' chances than their on-field general. Cleary was the architect of NSW's emphatic win in Game II last year and he'll need to turn it on again to help them start the series with a bang.
Prop - Tevita Pangai Jr.
Age: 27
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
The most surprising selection on either side, Pangai Jr must use his explosive energy for good if the Blues are to win the crucial battle in the middle of the park.
Hooker - Api Koroisau
Age: 30
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 1
Brad Fittler has made a big call overlooking Origin veteran Damien Cook, so scheming rake Api Koroisau is out to impress as the Blues' sole hooker. The Wests Tigers captain is tasked with marshalling the middle and keeping the ruck speed slick.
Prop - Payne Haas
Age: 23
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 0
Arguably the NRL's form player, the Brisbane behemoth needs a big game to help the Blues overcome a handful of injuries in the forward pack. Haas limped off the training park on Friday with a suspected ankle injury but returned to training on Sunday and is expected to line up as planned.
Second-rower - Tyson Frizell
Age: 31
Origins: 14
Origin tries: 3
Good judges considered his Origin career over but the Newcastle veteran adds vital experience to a forward pack looking to take it up to the star-studded Maroons.
Second-rower - Hudson Young
Age: 24
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
Young's form for Canberra has become irresistible, and on top of his physical approach he thrives in effort areas like kick chases and ball strips.
Lock - Isaah Yeo
Age: 28
Origins: 8
Origin tries: 0
What might have been if the Penrith co-captain could've made it a couple more metres through the defence in the dying stages of last year's series opener? Yeo provides the link between the halves and can be relied upon to get through plenty of work in defence.
Interchange - Junior Paulo
Age: 29
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 0
One of the Blues' best last series, Paulo will pack a punch from the bench and loves to free his arms for an offload.
Interchange - Cameron Murray
Age: 25
Origins: 10
Origin tries: 1
The South Sydney captain has become one of the first men picked in recent seasons. Traditionally an edge back-rower at Origin level, Murray and/or Liam Martin will likely spend some time in the middle as the game unfolds.
Interchange - Liam Martin
Age: 26
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 0
Another Blue who comes into the series opener on the back of an injury. Martin has relished his role as agitator-in-chief across the last two series so expect him to provoke the Maroons' key men.
Interchange - Nicho Hynes
Age: 26
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
After two years on the fringes as 18th man, Hynes finally earns his chance off the bench. He is set to reprise the Mr Fix-It role that made him an NRL star at Melbourne and could spend some time at hooker.
18th man - Matt Burton
Age: 23
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 1
Elevated to 18th man after Latrell Mitchell's late withdrawal, Burton played twice last year for the Blues but will only see action if there's more 11th-hour injury drama, three in-game NSW concussions or injury resulting from foul play.
Australian Associated Press
