HOW NSW’S STATE OF ORIGIN INCUMBENTS SHAPE FOR GAME I

JAMES TEDESCO – In form for the Sydney Roosters and a certainty to fill the No.1 jersey for coach Brad Fittler. Verdict: Safe

TOM TRBOJEVIC – Won’t be fit for Game I unless he pulls off a miracle recovery from a hamstring injury but could be back for Game II in Perth. A battle between Nick Cotric, Campbell Graham and Blake Ferguson looms for his spot. Verdict: Gone

LATRELL MITCHELL – Admitted last week he’d only been going through the motions for the Roosters but the youngster is a big-game player. Verdict: Safe.

JAMES ROBERTS – Much will depend on how his return from an achilles injury goes but would still be favoured to play in the centres with few others pushing for his spot. Verdict: Likely

JOSH ADDO-CARR – Has looked dangerous enough for Melbourne this year to keep his spot. Shouldn’t be challenged. Verdict: Safe

JAMES MALONEY – Under serious pressure given the form of Luke Keary. Fittler said on Sunday he was still the frontrunner but he’ll need to step up at Penrith. Verdict: Shaky

NATHAN CLEARY – Hasn’t been at his best for Penrith but is viewed as the long-term NSW halfback. Would be a very tough call to drop him. Verdict: Likely

DAVID KLEMMER – Only snuck into the NSW squad this time last year but will likely be the first-pick front-rower in 2019. Verdict: Safe

DAMIEN COOK – It’s been a long time since NSW had a member of their spine so assured of selection headed into a series. Verdict: Safe

PAUL VAUGHAN – Is playing even better this year than he was last year for St George Illawarra. Should be picked but could well drop back to the bench. Verdict: Likely

BOYD CORDNER (c) – Questions were asked over his selection last year but there’ll be none in 2019. The NSW captain could also relish being part of a Roosters left edge. Verdict: Safe

TYSON FRIZELL – Has spent time in the middle and on the edge for the Dragons in 2019 but will be best used in the second row come Origin time. Verdict: Safe

JAKE TRBOJEVIC – Started for the first time in Game III last year and it seems likely he’ll do that again come June 5 at Suncorp Stadium. Verdict: Safe

JACK DE BELIN – Unlikely Fittler will pick him even if he’s successful in challenging his NRL ban. Fittler doesn’t want distractions and de Belin has a court date during the camp for Game I. Cameron Murray and Victor Radley look favourites for his spot. Verdict: Gone

TARIQ SIMS – Made his debut in Game III last year and his spot could well depend on if NSW want to start Vaughan. Otherwise, Jordan McLean, Tevita Pangai Junior and Junior Paulo could all come into contention with Reagan Campbell-Gillard out of form. Verdict: Shaky

ANGUS CRICHTON – Hasn’t been as dominant since moving to the Roosters this season but would likely still edge Sims for a bench spot if Fittler opts for an extra middle forward. Verdict: Likely.

TYRONE PEACHEY – Has had his moments on the Gold Coast but has the advantage of bringing real utility value for Fittler. Radley shapes as his biggest challenger if NSW opt for an extra forward on the bench given his versatility. Verdict: Questionable