Brad Fittler has named six rookies on a 22-man team in alphabetical order for the first game in the Origin 2022 series starting June 8th.
The team has six players without any type: Stephen Crichton, Nicho Hynes, Ryan Matterson, Jacob Saifiti, Kotoni Staggs and Joseph Suaalii.
There was no room for incumbent Josh Addo-Carr, with Fittler explaining his decision to completely abandon the Bulldogs end of the team.
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“Well, I’m surprised people were surprised,” Fittler told 9 News Sydney.
“(Tupou) has been practically the best extreme for a few years. It’s always on my radar.
“I’ve coached (Tupou) the team in the city and in the home state, and I’ve always liked him to be part of my team.”
With Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic unavailable, Fittler will rely on a combination of Crichton and Staggs rookie powerhouse.
“It’s a pretty complicated position. Defensively it’s crucial,” Fittler said of the centers.
“Our centers will have a great job and they will have to make important decisions, but in the end it’s about the team and I don’t think a charge will cost you.”
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“NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler has appointed a 22-man squad tonight for the opening match of the 2022 Ampol State of Origin Series at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Wednesday, June 8,” NSWRL reported on a statement.
Nicho Hynes, Stephen Crichton and Kotoni Staggs are three of the six unlimited players. Source: FOX SPORTS
“The team includes seven players from the first Penrith Panthers in the 2021 NRL, while James Tedesco will be the team captain for the second year in a row.
“The team also includes six players who have not yet made their Blues debut – Stephen Crichton, Nicho Hynes, Ryan Matterson, Jacob Saifiti, Joseph Suaalii and Kotoni Staggs – and Fittler will nominate his team for tomorrow’s opening game at noon ( a start 17, an 18th player and four reserves).
“The team will hold an open media session and take a photo of the team at Crowne Plaza Coogee tomorrow and attend the annual True Blues dance at The Star Event Center in Pyrmont later that night, where the last members of the NSWRL The Star Hall of Fame.
“The extended team will train together for the first time at the Coogee Oval on Tuesday, May 31.” Players not nominated for the first game may return to their clubs to prepare for the 13th round of the LNR ( players with dismissals may remain on the field).
NSW SQUAD FOR GAME I
Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Parramatta Eels)
Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Stephen Crichton (Penrith Panthers)
Tyson Frizell (Newcastle Knights)
Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)
Hynes Niche (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
Apisai Koroisau (Penrith Panthers)
Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers)
Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels)
Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers)
Ryan Matterson (Parramatta Eels)
Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Jacob Saifiti (Newcastle Knights)
Tariq Sims (Dragons of St. George Illawarra)
Cotton Staggs (Brisbane Broncos)
Joseph Suali (Sydney roosters)
James German (c) (Sydney Roosters)
Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers)
Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters)
Jack Wighton (Canberra Raiders)
Isaac Yeo (Penrith Panthers)
DAILY TELEGRAPHER, MAY 29, 2022. NSW Blues players pictured arriving at Crowne Plaza, Coogee Beach, for the Blues home field. Niches Hynes. Image by Damian ShawFont: News Corp Australia DAILY TELEGRAPHY, May 29, 2022. NSW Blues players photographed as they arrive at Crowne Plaza, Coogee Beach, for the Blues’ home field. Jerome Luai (hat) and Brian To’o (passenger). Image by Damian ShawFont: News Corp Australia DAILY TELEGRAPHY, May 29, 2022. NSW Blues players photographed as they arrive at Crowne Plaza, Coogee Beach, for the Blues’ home field. Liam Martin. Image by Damian ShawFont: News Corp Australia DAILY TELEGRAPHY, MAY 29, 2022. NSW Blues player Nathan Cleary, photographed arriving at Crowne Plaza, Coogee Beach, for the Blues home field. Image by Damian ShawFont: News Corp Australia DAILY TELEGRAPHY, May 29, 2022. NSW Blues players photographed as they arrive at Crowne Plaza, Coogee Beach, for the Blues’ home field. Cameron Murray. Image by Damian ShawFont: News Corp Australia DAILY TELEGRAPHY, May 29, 2022. NSW Blues players photographed as they arrive at Crowne Plaza, Coogee Beach, for the Blues’ home field. Apisai Koroisau. Image by Damian ShawFont: News Corp Australia