The 2018 State of Origin series is rapidly approaching and both states eagerly await the naming of their teams for Game 1.
New South Wales has a new coach in Brad Fittler who has promised a fresh beginning for the Blues after their miserable tally of one series win out of the last 12.
In order to assist the selectors as they sit down for this enormous task, we name our New South Wales Origin squad for Game 1.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Coach: Brad Fittler
Origin victories: 48
Series victories: 13
1. James Tedesco
Tedesco's big move from the Tigers to the Roosters this year got off to a slow start, but he has found his feet in recent weeks. He has five State of Origin starts under his belt and will be a vital attacking weapon for Fittler's Blues. Ever reliable at the back, he often throws self preservation out the window when defending his goal line.
2. Tom Trbojevic
The early season form displayed by Tom Trbojevic had many calling for him to replace Tedesco at fullback for the Blues. Tom has been around the Blues squad for two years and has represented Australia. He has played plenty of wing and will form a dangerous back three with Tedesco and Josh Addo-Carr.
3. Latrell Mitchell
Mitchell has been an Origin player-in-waiting ever since he made his debut for the Roosters in 2016. The 20-year-old centre has size, speed, elusiveness and a good football instinct. The wait is over, it is time to see what he can do on the big stage.
4. James Roberts
Roberts has been knocking on the Origin selection door for years. He possesses the kind of raw speed that makes him a danger every time he handles the ball. His try for the Broncos against the Roosters last week would have caught the selectors' eyes.
5. Josh Addo-Carr
Addo-Carr has started the 2018 season with the Storm where he left off last year. The premiership-winning winger is one of the best finishers in the game, runs the ball out of trouble harder than most forwards and has the toughness required to be a star of State of Origin.
6. James Maloney
Maloney arrived at the Panthers this season and has been the key ingredient in a run that has them sitting in second place. His organisation, kicking and passing games will be key if the Blues are to win this year. Once of the best players last year for the Blues, he should be one of the first picked.
7. Nathan Cleary
This was always going to be Cleary's year after many thought he was too young last series, but a knee injury nearly ruled him out. He came back last week and showed enough to take his place alongside Panthers teammate Maloney. Blues fans hope he is the answer to their long running halfback woes.
8. Paul Vaughan
Vaughan has been an important cog in the ladder-leading Dragons' engine room this season. He has size, runs hard, possesses a handy offload and scores more tries than most props. He has represented NSW Country and has been on the fringe of selection for some time now.
9. Damien Cook
Cook has been in the mix for the hooking role with Dragons' rake Cameron McInnes his main opposition. Both look like they could handle the step up and bring qualities that will help the Blues' cause. Cook's individual try against the Cowboys last week just edges him ahead.
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
Another player who has already debuted for Australia, Campbell-Gillard has been instrumental in the Panthers' winning run this season. He has the size and the ticker to take on the Maroons. Selectors might have to overlook his moustache, though.
11. Boyd Cordner (c)
Cordner has been a little below his best this year, but deserves his place in the team as the incumbent captain and on the back of his efforts over previous years. The Blues centres and halves might need as much help in defence as they can get.
12. Josh Jackson
Critics of Jackson claim he is a one-dimensional tackling machine who offers little in attack. Jackson supporters claim he is the kind of tackling machine every good Origin team needs. Like Cordner, he will be vital in cutting down many Maroons raids on the fringe of the ruck.
13. Tyson Frizell
Frizell has cemented his spot in the back row for the Blues after many memorable performances. He has started the season well with the Dragons; his running and hard-hitting defence will be vital for the Blues.
14. Tyrone Peachey
Peachey has been having a great year with the Panthers whether it be filling in for injured halves or hookers, or making breaks out wide in the centres. His versatility makes him a perfect Origin No.14, and his dummy-half running will take up from where Cook leaves off.
15. Jake Trbojevic
Tom's big brother was incredible coming off the bench for the Blues last season. He is an explosive ball-runner with a brilliant offload and can cash in around the ruck when the opposition is tiring.
16. David Klemmer
Klemmer has been eating up the metres again for the Bulldogs this season, but seems to go even better when he pulls on the Blues jersey. He always gives NSW a noticeable lift when he comes on after the early exchanges.
17. Jack de Belin
De Belin very nearly made his debut for the Blues last year. He has been in great form for the Dragons and can play any role in the pack. He adds a creative touch to the edge of the ruck and could send Roberts, Mitchell and Tedesco through the Maroons' defence out wide.