My NSW Origin Team for Game 1

STARTING SIDE

1. James Tedesco - Out of form, however in an environment he doesn't want to be in. Dynamic, all action sort of fullback capable of causing Queensland headaches. Needs to run straighter and harder on to the ball than at present. Josh Dugan can count himself unlucky however he is too injury prone at present for mine. 

2. Daniel Tupou - I like having a specialist winger who gives the team a serious aerial threat. Can also get some good dummy half running on early tackles to help get the Blues out of their own end. Strong Club connection with the halves and Cordner. I am going for Tupou over Ferguson who in a toss of a coin. 

3.Jack Bird - I think he is an Origin player for several years to come. He is tough, strong and hard to tackle. Doesn't mind mixing it up and is a dangerous runner of the football. I think the Morris boys and Michael Jennings have both run their race at this level. It's time for some youth and flair. 

4. Jarryd Hayne - I have to pick Hayne based on how good he has been in Origin in the past. His form is down, however he can lift for the big occasion. 
 

5. James Roberts - Gives the Blues some genuine speed on the flanks. Very strong runner of the football and can start off sets well. Not a natural winger however you can't coach speed. 

6. James Maloney - Experienced and a smart and tough five eight. His Club form has been average this year, however he has played in 3 Grand Finals and was good in Origin last year. Good combination with Pearce. 

7. Mitchell Pearce (vice captain)- Put simply, he has to be there. He is owning Club football games, week in, week out. He is in the prime spot of his career, having had setbacks and lots of experience. Best halfback easily in the State. 

8. Andrew Fifita - Playing outstanding football for the Sharks. Can get over the advantage line and get quick play the balls as well as capable of making some late offloads. Close to the best prop in the game at the minute. 

9. Cameron McIness - Out with the old and in with the new. Plays fast and direct for the Dragons and makes his tackles with plenty of intent. I think with Pearce controlling the team, McIness is the man to give him fast and direct service. Just edges out Nathan Peats. Can't believe they want to pick Farah or Wallace, not much to gain there, been there and done that. 

10. David Klemmer - Love the aggression he brings to a game. You need 1 or 2 loose cannons in there, and Klemmer will not take a backward step. No room for Aaron Woods in my Blues team. Not aggressive enough and gets slow play the balls. 

11. Wade Graham - Outstanding in the last 12 months for the Sharks. Tough, skilful and capable of being more than a battering ram. I want strike power in this team and Graham provides a passing threat on the edge. 

12. Boyd Cordner (C) - The best back rower in the competition for mine. Makes a lot of tough runs and gets over the advantage line. 

13. Tyson Frizell - Was outstanding in Origin last season and is playing good football for the Dragons. Capable of being dynamic in attack with his powerful running though the middle and ability to get quick play the balls. 

INTERCHANGE

14. Jack De Belin - Loved his performances for the Dragons this season. Capable of playing tight or on an edge and running the ball strongly.
 

15. Paul Vaughn - Been the form prop of the competition in the first 11 Rounds. Good to have one big bopper on the bench that can slot into that prop rotation and keep the aggressive runs going at Queensland.

16. Josh Jackson - Been one of the Blues best in the past few seasons. Tough and durable. Lacking a bit of skill, however won't take a backward step. 

17. Matt Moylan/Luke Lewis - Moylan is Capable of coming in and playing anywhere in the backline or at hooker. Proved himself in last year's Origin series that he is up to this level. If it's a wet week I would opt for Lewis who is still playing outstanding football and capable of slotting in in a number of positions.