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NSW are about to embark on an unplanned new era, when they go back to the future to Laurie Daley as the new coach.
Michael Maguire achieved instant success with a 2-1 series victory last year, but was blinded by the bright lights of the Brisbane Broncos job.
So the NSWRL has opted to give Daley a second stint in charge even though his first four attempts yielded just one series of victory before he was shown the door in 2017.
The Blues look to have a settled squad leading into the first Origin match at Suncorp Stadium on May 28, but injuries and suspensions often cause carnage and chaos in the weeks leading up to the squad announcement, so Daley is keeping his options open as the Blues look to defend the shield against the Billy Slater’s Maroons.
NSW are set to announce their team on Sunday night.
He indicated on the weekend that Latrell Mitchell could be back in the mix after his starring role in Friday night’s 22-14 upset win over the Broncos.
“Watching Friday night, you just know Latrell is built for moments, and when big moments roll around, he wants the ball in his hands,” Daley told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“That’s the style of player he is. He’ll always be that bloke who wants to take the shot, or own the moment. That’s what makes him so good.”
Mitchell is in contention with Tom Trbojevic, Stephen Crichton and Bradman Best for the two centre spots.
The Rabbitohs star has a 7-4 winning record in Origin and scored a try in the game-two victory over Queensland last year before a foot injury ruled him out of the series decider.
Origin III
1 Dylan Edwards
2 Brian To’o
3 Stephen Crichton
4 Bradman Best
5 Zac Lomax
6 Jarome Luai
7 Mitchell Moses
8 Jake Trbojevic (c)
9 Reece Robson
10 Payne Haas
11 Angus Crichton
12 Liam Martin
13 Cameron Murray
14 Isaah Yeo
15 Connor Watson
16 Mitch Barnett
17 Spencer Leniu
Panthers star Dylan Edwards is nearly back to top form after a groin injury hampered him early in the eason and with Penrith having the bye in Round 11, he will line up in the NSW No. 1 jersey.
Ditto for his Panthers teammate Nathan Cleary with the star halfback is set to reunite with Wests Tigers five-eighth Jarome Luai or Parramatta’s Mitchell Moses in the halves after his strong recent comeback from foot surgery.
Cowboys hooker Reece Robson looks like he will hold onto the No. 9 jersey despite Daley mentioning Tigers skipper Api Koroisau, Cronulla’s Blayke Brailey and versatile Roosters veteran Connor Watson as also being in the mix. Robson is likely to get the start with Watson the designated bench utility.
Blues players celebrate after winning the series 2-1. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Brian To’o is a lock for one wing position, despite missing time recently with a hamstring strain.
Zac Lomax is racing the clock to be fit in time for Origin I after a superb first campaign in the sky blue last year due to a foot injury. He needs a strong performance in Friday’s trip to Newcastle for Parramatta to be any chance.
Canterbury’s Jacob Kiraz is considered the frontrunner ahead of Dolphins young gun Jack Bostock and Roosters veteran Daniel Tupou if Lomax cannot convince the selectors he is ready.
Tom Trbojevic has been hampered by injury again but is leading the race to be one of the two centres alongside Canterbury captain Steven Crichton, who is certain to get one spot.
Best is probably an outsider after a modest season at club level while Mitchells strong recent form could get him a start with Trbojevic pushed out to the wing.
Payne Haas is a walk-up start in the front row with Isaah Yeo a certainty at lock with Cameron Murray sidelined by a ruptured Achilles.
Manly warhorse Jake Trbojevic has been below his best for the Sea Eagles and could be squeezed out of the starting side or the line-up altogether even though he was captain last year.
Yeo shapes as the likely replacement as skipper after he led the Blues whenever he came off the bench for Trbojevic last year.
Liam Martin and Angus Crichton will be the starting second-rowers as long as they are available.
Cameron Murray. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Watson’s versatility in being able to play a dummy half or as a lock is likely to earn him a start on the interchange. He could also fill in as a playmaker or in the outside backs if needed.
Raiders firebrand Hudson Young is a strong chance to be named on the bench as is Roosters prop Spencer Leniu if he is not elevated to the starting side himself.
South Sydney’s Keaon Kaloamatangi, Manly powerhouse Haumole Olakau’atu, Warriors captain Mitch Barnett and Tigers recruit Terrell May are other options that Daley could use to bolster his pack.
Origin I
1 Dylan Edwards
2 Brian To’o
3 Stephen Crichton
4 Tom Trbojevic
5 Zac Lomax/Jacob Kiraz
6 Jarome Luai
7 Nathan Cleary
8 Terrell May
9 Reece Robson
10 Payne Haas
11 Angus Crichton
12 Liam Martin
13 Isaah Yeo (c)
14 Connor Watson
15 Hudson Young
16 Mitch Barnett
17 Spencer Leniu
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