2024 State of Origin Teams

twentyforty said:
Mitchell is too much of a risk imo, his form hasn’t been good enough.
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He hasn't played for at least 3 weeks. See how it is when he comes back this weekend. From all reports he's been brought back to earth by those closest to him which may see a much improved performance.
 
Furious1 said:
He hasn't played for at least 3 weeks. See how it is when he comes back this weekend. From all reports he's been brought back to earth by those closest to him which may see a much improved performance.
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He will hit top form when they play the tigers. We will probably play them back into form like we do other sides.
 
Rugby-bound winger Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has won a debut NSW State of Origin spot, but his more experienced Roosters teammate is still fighting to stay in the Blues team. Suaalii has beaten out Josh Addo-Carr and Zac Lomax for a wing spot, and will partner Penrith bulldozer Brian To’o on the flanks to take on Queensland in the opening Origin.

However, his club teammate and incumbent NSW captain James Tedesco is still facing a stiff challenge to retain his spot, with selectors yet to decide between him and Penrith’s Dylan Edwards for the fullback role.

Sharks lock Cameron McInnes has also earned a spot on the bench for his Origin debut.

McInnes spent the first three years of his career under Maguire at South Sydney between 2014-16.

A source with knowledge of the NSW selection discussions, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed 20-year-old Suaalii will be named on the wing by Blues coach Michael Maguire on Sunday evening, barring injury or a catastrophically bad performance against Canberra on Saturday.

The NSW coaching staff see kick returns as a key area of the game against the Maroons, particularly runs from dummy half near their own line, and Suaalii’s big body and power has given him the edge over his rivals.

It is quite the story, with Suaalii already committing to rugby union from next year, when he is expected to debut for the Wallabies against the British & Irish Lions in July 2025.

Suaalii said earlier this week he is ready to step up to the Origin arena.

“I am ready for the job if Madge picks me,” Suaalii said.

“I am focusing on playing for the Roosters and that is it. But if the opportunity comes I am ready to take it with two hands.

“I feel like I have put a lot of work into my game. When State of Origin’s played, I feel like the Roosters style of footy resembles what Origin does.

“It is a dream of mine to play State of Origin.”

Suaalii, who has signed a record three-year deal with Rugby Australia worth $5.35 million, dismissed calls for him not to be picked because he is switching codes.

“It has always been a dream of mine to play for State of Origin,” Suaalii said.

“I have been playing rugby league since I was four years old and for anyone to say it is not my dream, I think it is a bit silly.

“It is my dream to play at the top level but I am focused on playing well for the Roosters.”

But for longstanding NSW fullback Tedesco, the battle to keep the No.1 jersey will come down to performance this weekend.

While many frustrated Blues fans had called for Tedesco to be dropped after last year’s series defeat, the veteran fullback has produced some of his best form in recent weeks.

However, the Blues brains trust still see it as a 50-50 call and if Edwards can shine against the ladder-leading Cronulla Sharks on Saturday, he could well sneak into the starting side. (DT)
 
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Tedesco (c)
Sualii (r)
Burton (l)
Crichton (r)
Too (l)
Luai
Hynes
Haas
Mccinnes
Jurbo
Hudson Young
Martin
Yeo

Api
Olakauatu
Crichton
For the last spot, I'd love a workhorse who's dependable like Nicholls, Curran or Hazelton. My choice would be Nicholls, rarely see him miss a tackle or get dominated. He'll make his 10-12m per tackle, get a good play the ball and sure up the middle.

Go the blues
 
tig_prmz said:
Tedesco (c)
Sualii (r)
Burton (l)
Crichton (r)
Too (l)
Luai
Hynes
Haas
Mccinnes
Jurbo
Hudson Young
Martin
Yeo

Api
Olakauatu
Crichton
For the last spot, I'd love a workhorse who's dependable like Nicholls, Curran or Hazelton. My choice would be Nicholls, rarely see him miss a tackle or get dominated. He'll make his 10-12m per tackle, get a good play the ball and sure up the middle.

Go the blues
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The last time NSW picked a hooker who didn't play specialist dummy half for his club team was Mario Fenech in 1989 (Coleman played dummy-half from the 7 and Mario played as an extra running forward for Souths) ....

And that worked out as anyone aside from coach Jack Gibson expected!

1716530911383.png

McInnes has not been a hooker/dummy half since 2020 when he was converted to a lock/bench middle!!

Suggesting McInnes as a starting hooker for NSW because he used to play there five years ago - displays a complete lack of understanding of the game and the importance of a specialist dummy half!

It is the Origin equivalent of Jason Taylor dropping Farah to reggies - to use Joel Edwards as first grade hooker!!

If McInnes makes the team it will be as a bench middle - and it is his toughness in that role that has got him into contention in the first place!
 
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