Origin Watch: New South Wales – Game I predicted team

We are just five weeks away from Game I of the 2019 Origin series. Brad Fittler is reportedly close to finalising his squad and has given a few hints in the media this week.

Below is the side I believe will be chosen for Game I, not necessarily the team I would select.

You can select the side you believe will run out on June 5th here.

1. James Tedesco

The best fullback in the game, the current NSW incumbent is already measured up for his 2019 sky blue strip. I still maintain that he was the best player in last year's successful series and made the jump to Kangaroos selection with ease. He has five tries in seven games, seven line breaks and is sitting sixth on most metres made across the competition. Automatic selection and one which cannot be argued.

2. Josh Addo-Carr

Despite his side's amazing start to the season, the Fox is probably a little down on form in 2019 compared to his almost unbelievable 2018 efforts. That said, he's as good as selected for the opener on the first Wednesday in June. He has four tries to his name in 2019 after scoring two tries in his debut Origin series last year. His combination with Latrell Mitchell arguably won the series.

3. Latrell Mitchell

The second member of the Blues' lethal left side is the best centre in the game Latrell Mitchell. He won his battle with Will Chambers across the opening two games last year and was one of the Blues' absolute best. He has spent the early part of the season shifting between centre and into the halves due to injuries and his ball playing skills look to have improved. Scary but he's still only 21.

4. James Roberts

Fittler will be looking to make as minimal changes as possible and I believe this will ensure James Roberts holds on to his Origin jersey. A dip in form due to injury sees this position up for grabs but no other contender has really stood out to snatch it from the lightning-quick Brisbane centre. A possible move to Souths could help him re-find his form, which will be brilliant for the Blues.

5. Blake Ferguson

I'm hesitant to include Ferguson given his past efforts in camp and in the sky blue but in terms of form he'll be the first winger picked across either side. A monster out wide, he will give the Blues a big advantage for kick returns. He, Teddy and Addo Carr form a lethal back three where each poses their own threat. His Origin record is not good but he's a different player since his last Origin appearance.

6. James Maloney

Again, I can't see Fittler making huge changes unless absolutely forced into it, hence the under fire Penrith number six holds onto his jumper. The Blues require an experienced half and Maloney is the best in his role. His form for Penrith has not been great and his defence is a real worry but the Blues can protect him given his past Origin efforts in attack. Fittler has mentioned Maloney is front runner at six.

7. Luke Keary

The controversial decision I believe Fittler will make is to drop Origin-winning number seven Nathan Cleary in favour of the supremely in-form Roosters pivot. Keary is in form that cannot be ignored and is the current Kangaroos half back. He offers everything Cleary does but is in far better nick right now. I wouldn't be shocked if Cleary is chosen but as it stands I can't see Keary not being chosen. Leads the competition with nine try assists.

8. David Klemmer

Klemmer's move to Newcastle has seen him become the pack leader and that has been of benefit to both club and state. He'll be the first big man picked for the Blues and shapes as a real key to victory. His fire brand style should see an advantage for the Blues over a QLD pack known more for work rate. Second only to Clint Gutherson in run metres across the opening two months.

9. Damien Cook

Again, if Tedesco wasn't the best across the series in 2018, Cook was. Automatic selection without any argument. There were fears his game will be stifled by the arrival of Wayne Bennett but nothing could be further from the truth. He's the Blues' big advantage in 2019 as the Maroons struggle to find a nine that can produce what he can in attack. Has 30 more dummy half runs than the next closest number nine.

10. Paul Vaughan

The in-form prop should walk into the Origin side. He has been an absolute monster up front for the Dragons and showed a real glimpse of serious pace when he broke free on ANZAC Day. Has run for over 1100 metres, which is the third most for any forward in the competition. He was a rock in last year's series win and is an absolute lock for this year.

11. Boyd Cordner

The captain and the man NSW fans hope will again hold up the Shield in 2019. Cordner is an amazing footballer and a huge presence on the left for club, state and country. A leader by example you can expect Cordner to take the tough runs if required. He will be tasked with protecting James Maloney in defence, something he did with class in 2018.'

12. Tyson Frizell

There's a chance Fittler may go with Crichton here but I expect the Dragons superstar to be running on. He's a mainstay in rep footy and is sure to add to his nine NSW jumpers. Looks to be back to full fitness after a horror injury, don't be shocked if Frizell is in the running for player of the series despite lacking the flash of some of the back line and halves.

13. Jake Trbojevic

With de Belin out, Jake steps into the vacant number 13 jersey, a jersey I believe he should have held regardless. He's the best lock in the game not named Jason, and is by far the best ball playing big man across the code. He will make a mountain of tackles and metres but it's his ability to put a speedster through a gap that sees him emerge as a strike weapon.

14. Jordan McClean

The current Kangaroos' bench bookend is set to make his Origin debut after missing last season through injury. Has made over 1000 metres in his seven games in an otherwise pretty poor Cowboys outfit. Huge in for the Blues.

15. Tariq Sims

Hand on heart I probably wouldn't select the Dragons' firebrand but as the incumbent, he will hold onto his jersey. Hasn't set the world on fire for the Red V in 2019 but has been far from bad. Making just under 100 metres per game in a balanced Dragon pack, perhaps I'm being too harsh.

16. Angus Crichton

Another who probably doesn't have the form he brought into the 2019 series is the Roosters' second rower. He's been playing from the bench far more regularly than I would have expected but he'll be picked. His debut series went very well and there's no reason not to expect the same this time around.

17. Victor Radley

Fittler will likely choose a utility player on the bench and I believe it'll come down to Peachy or Radley. Fittler seems to LOVE Victor Radley. Every Roosters game the NSW mentor goes out of his way to praise the big-hitting second rower turn hooker. It's his stint in the nine that will secure his bench spot over the Titans centre.

Let us know below who you think will be selected for Game One.