The countdown has begun as fans await the announcement of NSW’s home state for Game 1, scheduled for tonight, before the QLD team is named Monday morning.
NSW coach Brad Fittler has promised “surprises” to his 22-man team, and that will include Roosters winger Daniel Tupou, who is starting in NSW for the first time since 2020.
Blues boss James Tedesco said he wasn’t sure what the NSW set would look like, but endorsed Nicho Hynes’ useful value after his team’s strong 36-16 victory.
Grenade owner Cameron Munster praised young gunman Selwyn Cobbo who is firing to be chosen alongside Billy Slater.
Meanwhile, Fox League’s Cooper Cronk has asked Blues coach Brad Fittler to pick Roosters striker Angus Crichton for the opening of the series.
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STAR SHARKS TO MAKE A BLUE TEAM LIKE THE BROWNS DEBUT THREE YOUNG GUNS
The Blues will choose Sharks star Nicho Hynes, while the Maroons will deliver the debuts to three young stars.
Dave Riccio of the Daily Telegraph reported that Hynes’ final place in the squad will be decided after today’s matches.
Meanwhile, Lindsay Collins will start in the front row of the Maroons and Billy Slater will debut Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai and Patrick Carrigan.
KNIGHTS BOLTER TO JOIN THE BLUES SQUARE
Jacob Saifiti is reportedly heading to the NSW home camp after his brother and incumbent Daniel Saifiti was abandoned due to a knee injury.
Michael Chammas of the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Jacob Saifiti is bound to link up with the NSW team with the team to be announced tonight.
It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.
Chammas also reported that Daniel Tupou will form the team, Stephen Crichton will make his center debut and Angus Crichton will miss the squad.
Liam Martin is also unlikely to be in the top 17 unless injuries occur.
Chammas also reported that Jake Trbojevic has been left out of a big call from Fittler.
Jacob Saifiti joins the NSW team. Source: AAP
FREDDY PROMISES “SURPRISES” AND PRESENTS THE BEGINNER
NSW coach Brad Fittler was asked on Sunday morning if there would be one or two bolts on his side for the Blues, and he replied “well, yes, I think so, absolutely.”
“There will be a couple of surprises.”
One of them will see 196 cm Roosters winger Daniel Tupou, with The Daily Telegraph revealing Sunday morning that the steering wheel will be named to the Blues’ starting team.
NSW has turned to Tupou, 30, to fight the air skills of Selwyn Cobbo and 194cm winger Storm Xavier Coates, who are likely named Queensland.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Morning Herald claims that Stephen Crichton will make his Blues debut after an impressive career for the Panthers.
Fittler added that he has spoken to Brisbane star Payne Haas during his dramatic week of breach of contract with the Broncos, and confirmed that the boom will be set to remain in place. “It will leave this (drama) behind,” Fittler said.
CRONK REQUESTS CRICHTON SELECTION
Rugby League legend Cooper Cronk has asked Brad Fittler to pick Angus Crichton on his NSW team for the opening of the series.
The 26-year-old has already played nine times for the Blues, including two appearances in the 2021 series victory.
At the start of the season, a drop in Crichton’s form called into question his selection, but after a series of strong performances, Fox League’s Cooper Cronk believes he should take a place on the bench.
“I think Angus Crichton will be there, I thought this was one of his best games, especially that first half, he was tormenting Nicho Hynes on that left edge,” Cronk said.
“They played him short and he was getting physical, and that’s Angus’ greatest strength.
“What NSW has achieved for them is that they have a core group of players who have been constantly in the group for a long period of time, and that’s why they’ve been successful,” Cronk said.
“Angus has been one of those players, he has a bit of flexibility, he can go through the middle, he has probably played some of his best representative football in the middle.
“So he’s probably the perfect player to have on the bench so he can have it.”
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HYNES DE GERMAN APPROVAL
Blues boss James Tedesco praised utility candidate Nicho Hynes at a post-match press conference following his team’s 36-16 victory.
Tedesco performed well for Hynes ’best Cronulla team, proving why he is NSW’s best option as a winger.
The 29-year-old was asked if Nicho Hynes was ready for the Origin arena.
“Yeah, he came into camp last year and he was around the guys, he’s a good guy Nicho, we talked a little bit after the game,” Tedesco said.
“He ‘s been playing good football this year, so I’m not sure what the team will be like.
“But he’s definitely knocking on the door the way he’s been playing, and he can play on either the midfield or the sidelines or off the bench as a utility, so it’s going to be interesting to watch.”
After Ryan Papenhuyzen was ruled out of the series’ opening, Jack Wighton and Hynes established themselves as the two potential picks for Fittler’s No. 14 jersey.
Wighton has the Origin experience by his side, but the Hynes season so far has been impressive, leading his side through the park and turning the Sharks into premier candidates.
Hynes also has incredible utility value, having played in both the midfield and defensive positions of his former club, the Melbourne Storm.
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MUNSTER COBBO PRAISE
Grenade owner Cameron Munster compared young Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo to rugby league legend Greg Inglis.
Inglis was one of the most electric players to appreciate the NRL and was a dominant player for the Maroons for a span of 32 games.
Meanwhile, many have called for 19-year-old Cobbo to take a seat at the Queensland side of Billy Slater’s side, adapting to a mold similar to England’s style of play.
“He’s a monster and he plays with absolute confidence,” Munster said.
“Obviously I don’t like to compare him to certain players, but he has a lot of GI (Greg Inglis) similarities: he carries with his left hand, strong defense, very elusive and very fast.
“He’s not getting away from the hard stuff and when you see someone like that not only doing flashy stuff, he’s also doing tough stuff, I’m sure he’s got the attention of Queensland coaches.”
Cobbo made another good performance on Friday night, scoring another attempt to score ten four-pointers in his last six games.
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