After long-time Blues captain James Tedesco was dropped from the New South Wales squad in 2024's State of Origin series in favour of Dylan Edwards, it was believed that the fullback dilemma had finally been settled.
However, Edwards' unfortunate start to 2025 has seen him battered and bruised, struggling to stay consistently fit.
It can be said that the little time he has spent on the field has been just as disappointing, playing mediocre football for one of the surprise letdowns of the year: the Penrith Panthers.
The same cannot be said for discarded Blues skipper James Tedesco, who has continued his elite form from 2024 that saw him just miss out on a Dally M medal.
The 32-year-old has been electric for the Sydney Roosters, making a real case for a potential return to the Origin arena.
As the two most recent Blues fullbacks battle it out to cement their spots in their state's side, Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen has also thrown his hat into the race, finally returning to the elite form that saw him win the Clive Churchill Medal in 2020.
With three all-star fullbacks hoping to make it into the Origin arena come May 28, only one can don the famous No. 1 jersey. Will it be the incumbent fullback in Edwards, the discarded legend in Tedesco, or the underdog superstar in Papenhuyzen?
1. A case for Ryan Papenhuyzen
Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen has been seemingly forgotten in the race for the Blues fullback role.
However, it can be argued that 'Papi' has been the most impressive option of the three in the opening two months of the 2025 season.
Making his return from a dreadful injury run that saw him crack the 20-game mark just once in four seasons, Papenhuyzen has been sensational for the Storm this year.
While it feels like the 2020 Clive Churchill Medalist has been around forever, he is just 26, and as he finally settles into a healthy groove again, he could be the best fullback option for the Blues to build around.
His lightning-quick ball-running and silky playmaking would be an excellent addition to NSW's attack moving forward.
Papi's ability to break down defences and get open looks for his teammates would be a boon for the Blues' stacked backline, earning stars such as Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton plenty of open balls to dominate.
The biggest concern around bringing in Papenhuyzen is his health, but with the young star looking fitter than ever this year, he may just be the most naturally gifted fullback to pull on the Blues jumper in years.
