HOW NSW SHAPE UP FOR ORIGIN I
Fullback – James Tedesco
Age: 27
Origins: 10
Origin tries: 5
Despite question marks over a knee injury, Tedesco will be out to underline his status as the game’s best fullback.
Winger – Daniel Tupou
Age: 29
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
Returning to Origin arena for first time since 2015, Tupou will bring maturity as a Blues left-edge weapon.
Centre – Clint Gutherson
Age: 26
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
Rewarded for a stand-out season with the Eels, Gutherson switches to the centres to get his chance.
Centre – Jack Wighton
Age: 26
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
Dally M Medallist Wighton is a big body whose tough carries are instrumental in getting NSW into a good position.
Winger – Josh Addo-Carr
Age: 24
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 4
Addo-Carr has been in career-best form for the Storm, adding power to his pace to pose a constant threat.
Five-eighth – Luke Keary
Age: 28
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
Finally making his Origin debut, Keary won’t be overawed having already won three premierships.
Halfback – Nathan Cleary
Age: 22
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 0
While his skills aren’t in question, will be out to prove his mental fortitude after the Panthers’ shattering grand final loss.
Prop – Daniel Saifiti
Age: 24
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 0
With only two Origin games under his belt, Saifiti will still tp provide leadership among a raw front row.
Hooker – Damien Cook
Age: 29
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 1
Among the most damaging ball-running dummy-halves, Cook saw off a threat from Api Koroisau to hold his position.
Prop – Junior Paulo
Age: 26
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
Key to getting the Eels on the front foot, Paulo offers more in attack than most props.
Second-row – Boyd Cordner (captain)
Age: 28
Origins: 15
Origin tries: 2
Troubled by concussion, Cordner says he’s feeling fresh and will want to prove he’s back to his best.
Second-row – Tyson Frizell
Age: 29
Origins: 11
Origin tries: 3
The Blues will look for veteran Frizell to set the tempo with his defence and hit-ups.
Lock – Jake Trbojevic
Age: 26
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 1
Despite Manly having a disappointing season, Trbojevic is always a consistent performer in a Blues jumper.
Interchange:
Cody Walker
Age: 30
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
Edged by Keary for the No.6 jersey, Walker will look to make amends having been dropped after a sole 2019 appearance.
Payne Haas
Age: 20
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
With a big engine, Haas put in a huge performance in a forgettable Broncos’ season to regain his spot.
Cameron Murray
Age: 22
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
Murray offers versatility as well as a high work-rate in both attack and defence.
Angus Crichton
Age: 24
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
Returning from injury late in the season, Crichton showed his value in the middle as well as on the edges.
