State of Origin - My NSW Team for Game 1 (at this stage)
1. James Tedesco - Not anywhere near his best at the Roosters, but was arguably NSW’s best player in 2017. Last year played tough and got involved in each game. Especially dangerous up the middle off inside balls, or if he can back up some offloads. Probably lucky that Tom Trbojevic is playing in a side really struggling and doesn't appear to be 100% fit. Tedesco is still third in the NRL for tackle breaks with 47, and second in fullbacks for kick return metres with 456.
2. Josh Addo Carr - The Fox is a must, not only because he has speed to burn, but because he has improved all aspects of his game to become an outstanding winger under Craig Bellamy. His dummy half running, defensive decisions, and under the high ball, have become really solid, to go with his blinding speed. An infectious character and, whilst people will be worried about his lack of size, Queensland would rather him not be there I'm sure. Squeezes out Nick Cotric who, whilst a very promising young player, is fifth in the NRL for errors with 12.
3. Curtis Scott - Really impressed by this young player seemingly slipping under the radar at the Storm. Is strong defensively, has decent speed and has already played in a Premiership winning team, and a team that has probably the best coaches in the game. Perfect opportunity to blood him. I don’t think Jack Bird is playing well enough, and Latrell Mitchell, whilst a huge talent, can be wildly inconsistent.
4. James Roberts - I would like to see them take a chance on Roberts if he is really fully fit, which he hasn't appeared to be the past couple of weeks. I can’t see another centre in the NRL with his speed and power in full flight and, whilst he can get a bit lost defensively, I think NSW need to pick a side to try and worry Queensland, not a safe side.
5. Blake Ferguson - Ferguson would have been on my "never to play again list" after the last series, however he is playing the best football of his career currently at the Roosters. Having sworn off alcohol, he has been the best winger in the competition through the first 8 rounds, and his strong carries from his own end, threat under the high ball, and finishing ability deserve selection on form. He is second in the entire NRL for most contact metres with 531, and run metres in total with nearly 1600m through 8 games.
6. James Maloney - Put simply Maloney keeps on keeping on. I don’t know how he keeps doing it, but he continues to move Clubs and elevate the place where he goes immediately. There must be a lot of smoke and mirrors with Maloney, because he comes across as a larrikin, but the way he is playing he must be an extremely mentally tough and disciplined footballer. Has the third most kicks and fifth most kick metres in the NRL this season. Also leads the NRL in missed tackles by far with 59, so will need to be well protected.
7. Nathan Cleary - I know he has been injured for 8 weeks, however I think it’s time to get this kid in there as he is the standout candidate, with Pearce injured, for mine. Whilst they didn't quite gel in their first couple of games, his combination with Maloney at Penrith will surely help as the series progresses and they play more games together with Penrith.
8. Regan Campbell Gillard - Playing outstanding football at Penrith, I think he is close to the best prop in the NRL at present. Fast for a prop, and with good footwork, RCG appears perfectly suited to Origin football. I like his personality - he seems confident and ready to rip in and not take backward steps.
9. Cameron McInnes - One of the most improved players in the competition since he moved to the Dragons. Plays a pretty simple and direct game, but can also provide a strong running threat. Not the most creative, but an excellent defender and tough as teeth. Leads the NRL for touches this year with 862, as well as having the fourth most dummy half runs of any hooker with 34. Combination with 4 Dragons forwards I have picked vital.
10. David Klemmer - Playing pretty solidly and aggressively in a Canterbury side struggling mightily this season. Has often run for over 160m a game and leads the NRL in most contact metres with 538 ahead of the likes of Jason Taumololo. Woods misses out this season for me, as I believe his form is poor with 11 penalties given away second only to Andrew Fifita in the NRL.
11. Tyson Frizell - Has been one of the Blues’ best in the past couple of seasons, and is playing well for a side on top of the competition ladder. Is a wrecking ball that is really hard to bring down with the football in hand, and also a threat close to the line off some good short balls. With a dummy half and utility on the bench can play prop in his 2nd stint on the field.
12. Boyd Cordner - I think Boyd can consider himself a little lucky he is Captain on his form in 2018. I think he is slightly overrated as a backrower. However, given he is the Captain, it wouldn't be great to put your Captain back to the bench. Generally has performed well for the Blues as he tends to lift for Origin and go well on the wetter tracks and slower games, Certainly not afraid to take the tough carries. Josh Jackson misses out for me which would be pretty harsh however I want to pick as many in form players as possible from winning teams.
13. Jack De Belin - De Belin has been champing at the bit for a couple of years and deserves his chance to start. I would have pencilled in Jake Trobjevic at the start of the year but De Belin is playing better football. Leads defensive line speed, and can be an inspirational player. Gives the pack three starters from a Dragons’ team that is combining well.
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14. Damien Cook - I think NSW have to play two hookers this year given Cook’s explosive form, and it perhaps gives them a better balance in trying to exploit some tired Queensland defenders at the back end of halves. Cook has speed to burn and could really impact a game for 30 minutes off the bench. He can take some wrong options, but certainly won’t die wondering, and might help a Tedesco looking for gaps up the middle. Leads the NRL for dummy half runs with 51 this season.
15 . Paul Vaughn - Vaughn has been in good form this season, after being unlucky to miss out last season. I think he gets quicker play the balls than Aaron Woods, and it’s really time to give some players without the scars of several series’ defeats the opportunity to rise to the occasion
16. Tariq Sims - Has taken his game to another level at the Dragons this year. Appears to have cut the ill-discipline out of his game, whilst still finding that controlled aggression. Powerful body that is suited to Origin, and will combine well with his fellow Dragons’ forwards in this team.
17 - Tyrone Peachey - I think Peachey, like Addo Carr, has really put his name up in lights this year. With so many huge collisions and HIAs this year, the Blues need a player that can cover all positions, and Peachey is the man. Explosive runner of the ball who is capable of playing back row, 6 or in the centres. Will bring plenty of energy and threat off the bench.
18th man - Jake Trbojevic/Josh Jackson - I rated Trbojevic as perhaps the best young forward in the game earlier in the season, however his form has dipped with Manly. Whilst he is not the biggest, he certainly plays tough and has the skill to unlock what could be tight and physical games in the middle. Josh Jackson was the Blues best player a couple of seasons ago and is a really tough and workmanlike player. Either of these forwards could easily come back in the starting or bench mix over the next month.