The 2019 State of Origin teams are selected this Sunday night, with both states having some real selection headaches, through retirements, injuries and form slumps.
New South Wales are reigning title holders after coach Brad Fittler went into the 2018 series with a team of mostly fresh faces and a fresh approach.
In order to assist the Blues 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
One of the first players named. The Roosters fullback has been in scintillating form for his club on the back of being one of the best for New South Wales in last year's series victory. Safe at the back, he has the ability to pop up around the ruck and take advantage of any half breaks made by Damien Cook.
2. Josh Addo-Carr
Like Tedesco, Addo-Carr has been in great form recently for the Storm after being a major contributor for the Blues last year. His work rate out of trouble and freakish finishing abilities make him one of the best wingers in the game.
3. Latrell Mitchell
Mitchell made his Origin debut last season and was one of the stars for the Blues and went on to win the premiership with the Roosters in a truly memorable year. He has been tearing defences apart this season and will be key to the success of the Blues.
4. Jack Wighton
Wighton slipped off the radar last year after injury and poor form saw him struggle. He is back playing some promising football for the Raiders this year, mostly at five-eighth, but has the size and past experience to take on the centre role.
5. Nick Cotric
Cotric has been on the fringe of selection for a couple of years now and spent most of last year's series in and around the squad. An excitement machine on the wing, he knows his way to the try-line and deserves his chance in the absence of injured Tom Trbojevic.
6. Luke Keary
James Maloney is not only the victim of his own poor form, but simply has to make way for the undeniable claims of Luke Keary. Keary can form a partnership with Cleary and lead the Blues to long-term success. There will be plenty of familiar Roosters faces in the team to welcome him.
7. Nathan Cleary
Cleary was hailed the long-term future at No. 7 for the Blues after his efforts last year. He has been playing behind a well-beaten Panther pack this year in a team which has somehow lost the will to compete. Back in the Blues fold, he should be able to turn his game around.
8. Paul Vaughan
The incumbent starting prop has had a solid year for the Dragons. Provides the size and grunt needed in the Origin trenches. A hard-hitting and hard-running forward who has reduced his error rate of late.
9. Damien Cook
The first forward selected after his breakthrough Origin series last year. He has been one of the main reasons the Rabbitohs are currently sitting on top of the ladder. His spark out of dummy-half can tear any defence apart, and he can make tiring opposition forwards look like traffic cones.
10. David Klemmer
Klemmer has had a mixed season after moving from the Bulldogs to the Knights at the end of last year. He is a player who pulls out his best performances on the big stage and the Blues will need him at his best if they are to get the momentum needed up front.
11. Boyd Cordner (c)
Captain Cordner has grown as a leader having taken the Blues and Roosters to victory last season. He rarely misses a tackle and is a damaging ball runner with a more than handy passing game. Will he hold the shield aloft again this year?
12. Tyson Frizell
Frizell returned from a painful injury this year and has slowly been regaining the form that made him a certain starter in last year's series. His charges around the ruck and hard hitting defence make him a key part of the Blues pack.
13. Jake Trbojevic
Jake and his brother Tom were key member of last year's Blues series win and he has been the backbone of the Sea Eagles this year. Tireless in defence, he continues to improve as an edge running ball distributer as well.
14. Cody Walker
Walker has been in sensational form for the Rabbitohs this year and pushed Keary for the No. 6 jersey. With Tyrone Peachey out of form with the Titans, Walker could be the man to fill the vital No. 14 jersey, sparking the Blues attack with his darting runs and ball play against a tiring defence.
15. Angus Crichton
Crichton had a slow start to the season as he tried to fit into his new role at the Roosters. He had his moments, good and bad, in last year's Origin series, but is one of the stars of the future for the Blues.
16. Tariq Sims
Sims played his part in last year's series win for the Blues and has been performing well for the Dragons. The Blues will need him hitting and running hard once he finds his way onto the field.
17. Dale Finucane
If ever there was a player made and overdue for a run in Origin it is Finucane. The Storm forward has been one of their best over a number of years and won't let the Blues down coming off the bench.