NSW State of Origin coach Ricky Stuart says he is desperate for Sunday to arrive so he can end speculation over the make-up of his side for the series opener.

Stuart was among a host of rugby league greats at a benefit luncheon for one of the sport’s most respected figures in Ron Massey in Sydney on Wednesday and he faced a grilling on the make-up of his side for the May 23 clash against Queensland.

“If I give numbers today, I’ve got more speculation tomorrow,” Stuart said.

“I just can’t wait until Sunday, name the team, let everyone have their fights over it and getting into camp and having the opportunity to get into the most important thing for us and that’s preparation.”

Stuart said the spate of injuries to players in consideration for the squad in recent weeks had made him reticent to finalise to any great detail the final 17.

Newcastle duo Kurt Gidley and Danny Buderus were both considered certainties, only to suffer injuries in a recent game against Penrith.

“I name the team now and I promise you one or two won’t play,” he said.

“I don’t get too excited about it until Sunday night when I can name them knowing that everyone is fit and healthy.”

Stuart was also refusing to put a line through the name of Michael Jennings despite the Penrith centre being dumped to the NSW Cup this weekend.