Former NSW representative Matty Johns has picked his Blues side to take on Queensland in the State of Origin, ahead of the official team announcements on Monday.
The Newcastle great listed his 17 players on The Daily Telegraph.
Johns debated James Tedesco and Tom Trbojevic at the fullback position, saying both have been inconsistent in 2018, as Tedesco settled into life as a Rooster and Trbojevic has battled injury and off-field issues.
At centre, James Roberts, Euan Aitken and Latrell Mitchell were the leading candidates. Johns thinks Mitchell's lack of defensive game and disciplinary issues may concern Brad Fittler, while Roberts scorching form will surely earn him a jersey at either left or right centre. Aitken's performance against quality opponents is a massive tick in Johns' eyes.
Nathan Cleary, Luke Keary and James Maloney were his most likely halves. Cleary's knee injury could cast doubt over his selection, but could be justified by his performance against the Tigers last Thursday. He likes Keary's ability to mesh with other players, while trusting Maloney's experience.
At hooker, Johns likes Damien Cook and Cameron McInnes, while saying the team should enforce a pack-based strategy.
Here is Johns' NWS Origin Side, courtesy of The Daily Telegraph.
1. James Tedesco
2. Tom Trbojevic
3. Euan Aitken
4. James Roberts
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. James Maloney
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Paul Vaughan
9. Damien Cook
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Boyd Cordner
12. Tyson Frizell
13. Jake Trbojevic
Bench
14. Tyrone Peachey
15. Jake de Bellin
16. Angus Crichton
17. Tariq Sims
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