NSW Blues State of Origin team predictions – Game 1, 2023

With the 2023 State of Origin series just around the corner, New South Wales Blues coach Brad Fittler has several tough decisions to make if he is to pick a series-winning side.

Fittler appears to be coaching for his future, so a strong start to the series is almost mandatory.

Let’s look at the potential NSW side may select for Game 1 of the 2023 Origin series, which kicks off in Adelaide on May 31.

See our predicted Maroons team for State of Origin here

1. James Tedesco

The captain of his state and country needs no introduction or justification for his position in this side. Despite injury concerns early in the season, and some clunky attack at the Roosters, James Tedesco will be the first name on the team sheet for his wealth of experience.

2. Brian To’o

With Daniel Tupou and Josh Addo-Carr out injured, Brian To’o will be the first winger picked for NSW. Playing on the right wing, To’o’s strong ball carries from his own try-line will be key to the Blues getting on the front foot and attacking through their multiple star players.

3. Latrell Mitchell

Latrell Mitchell was unlucky not to win the Wally Lewis Medal in 2021, being overshadowed by Tom Trbojevic at his brilliant best. Mitchell’s form has improved as the NRL season has progressed, which will terrify Maroons fans. The Rabbitohs fullback provides cover in that position if Tedesco suffers an injury and will be a key to the Blues’ success with his X-factor play in the centres.

4. Campbell Graham

It is hard to see a world in which Fittler can ignore the selection of Campbell Graham for his Origin debut. Already this season he has scored 11 tries to go with 28 tackle breaks and 11 line breaks. A pure centre, Graham’s game has improved on both sides of the ball to the point where he may be the best in rugby league at his position. His selection would set off alarms all over Queensland, which is exactly why he needs to be picked.

5. Reuben Garrick

This might seem a bit of an out-there pick, but a strong case can be made for Reuben Garrick’s selection in the run-on side. A specialist goal-kicker and right winger, the Manly star would slot right into position without issue. For the last two years he has been one of the best wingers in the competition as a strong ball-carrier from his own corner of the field, something that would be invaluable for the Blues.

6. Nicho Hynes

The five-eighth role in this Blues side is the most debated selection of the entire series. Coming off a Dally M Medal last year, Nicho Hynes has again been the form player of the competition. The Sharks captain can create something from nothing, and with Nathan Cleary organising the team, Hynes would have more time to play both sides of the ruck and select his moments to attack. Another selection that would greatly alarm Maroons fans.

7. Nathan Cleary

Nathan Cleary is a lock-and-load selection for the Blues. One of the best halfbacks in rugby league for the last three years, the only arena he is yet to dominate is Origin. Cleary is battling some injury concerns, but he will be selected if fit.

8. Payne Haas

It is scary to think that, based on his last few years in the NRL, Payne Haas could improve even further as a forward, yet he has in 2023. He has been an enormous factor in the Broncos’ success this season, playing big minutes in the middle, carrying the ball strongly and developing an offload. Haas will be the leader of this forward pack and any success will come directly from his work in the middle of the field.

9. Damien Cook

Damien Cook has returned to some of the best form of his career this season for the Rabbitohs. His running game from dummy half has been electric, bringing his forwards onto the ball and creating incredible ruck speed. With players like Payne Haas, Junior Paulo and Cam Murray in the side, these four could destroy the Maroons’ middle third.

10. Daniel Saifiti

With injuries to Jake Trbojevic and Reagan Campbell-Gillard, coach Fittler could be forced to call upon the man he debuted 2019. So far in 2023, Daniel Saifiti has led the way in a struggling Knights forward pack, including a big performance against the Eels in round nine. Saifiti hasn’t played Origin since 2021, when injury cost him a start. He knows exactly what is needed and will step up to the plate.

11. Haumole Olakau’atu

The selection of Haumole Olakau’atu in the back row for the Blues would be another that terrifies Queensland. A big, strong, agile edge forward, Olakau’atu will certainly handle the intensity and physicality of the Origin arena. In a similar mould to David Fifita, he also has the potential for great attacking play, which will be amplified in his partnership with Nathan Cleary.

12. Hudson Young

This is another player who would be a real left-field selection for the Blues, but the case for his selection is strong. Hudson Young’s form at the end of 2022 had many putting his name in the selection ring for the Kangaroos at the Rugby League World Cup. Despite the Raiders’ poor form, Young is a fighter who would excel in a tough Origin arena. He is also a very skilled forward who can create tries on his own. His selection would no doubt create defensive headaches for the Maroons.

13. Isaah Yeo

There is no justification needed for this selection. An 80-minute middle forward who can carry the ball strongly from his end of the field and also play a key linking roll for his halves, Isaah Yeo is the best lock in rugby league.

14. Api Koroisau

Following his move from the Panthers, there were grave concerns regarding the impact that would have on his selection for the Blues. However, Api Koroisau has been the shining light of a terrible Tigers outfit and was a key part of their victory over the defending premiers in round nine. His speed and playmaking ability in the ruck when forwards are fatiguing would give the Blues the upper hand late in the game.

15. Junior Paulo

Junior Paulo is the perfect style of forward to play in rotation with a player like Payne Haas for the Blues. A big, strong forward with brilliant ball-playing skills and offloading ability would ensure that even when Haas leaves the field, the Maroons don’t get a break.

16. Cameron Murray

Cameron Murray is often selected on an edge for the Blues, and even Kangaroos, for representative football. While this makes some sense, it also limits the impact he has on games. Murray is a strong defender and ball carrier with a brilliant work rate. He would be the perfect replacement for Jake Trbojevic in the middle that also offers some ball-playing ability for the Blues’ attack.

17. Siosifa Talakai

He was selected for the Blues last season off the back of brilliant form for the Sharks, and while some will say he is unlikely to get a run in Adelaide, there is a strong case for Siosifa Talakai to get another chance. He can play in the centres, if need be, as well as anywhere in the forward pack. If no injuries come in the game, he would be a brilliant utility selection to play through the middle of the field and speed up the ruck. He would offer the Blues a lot on the field and should not be judged solely on his two performances in limited minutes in 2022.

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