Top 10 Players most likely to debut for New South Wales

With new coach Brad Fittler taking charge for New South Wales in the 2018 State of Origin series, the Blues are likely to add a number of new faces to their team. These are the 10 players most likely to make their debut in this series. Josh Addo-Carr [caption id="attachment_32036" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 10: Josh Addo-Carr of the Storm runs the ball during the round one NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Melbourne Storm at Perth Stadium on March 10, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)[/caption] While not the biggest winger available for the Blues, Josh Addo-Carr is an excellent finisher and also possesses great speed and aerial ability. Addo-Carr would not let Blues fans down if he were to represent New South Wales in the 2018 series. Ryan James [caption id="attachment_32468" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 12: Ryan James of the Titans speaks to the referee during the round 23 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Gold Coast Titans at UOW Jubilee Oval on August 12, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] With New South Wales likely to make a number of changes in their front row rotation, Ryan James may be one of the men Fittler brings into his side. James has proven he belongs in the front row and has been excellent since he took back the number 10 jersey for the Titans. James would not look out of place at all for the Blues. Blake Green [caption id="attachment_32349" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 17: Blake Green of the Warriors looks on during the round two NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Gold Coast Titans at Mt Smart Stadium on March 17, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)[/caption] At this point in the competition, Blake Green is probably the half in the best form, having led the Warriors to a five from five start to the year. Green’s ability to create chances frequently results in points, while his kicking game has been tremendous. Fittler would be adding a great all-round player to the team if he goes with Green. James Roberts [caption id="attachment_28447" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: James Roberts of the Broncos breaks away from the defence during the round 20 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Canterbury Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium on July 20, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] With question marks surrounding the form of previous centres Josh Dugan and Jarryd Hayne, Brisbane’s James Roberts must come into the discussion. Roberts boasts incredible speed and is strong in most areas of his game. Jack de Belin [caption id="attachment_25856" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 04: Jack de Belin of the Dragons celebrates scoring a try during the round one NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Penrith Panthers at UOW Jubilee Oval on March 4, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Jack de Belin has been one of the Dragons' best forwards in 2018, in what is a very strong forward pack. De Belin has been apart of the New South Wales squad before, so he would not be in unfamiliar territory. The lock forward has an excellent tackling technique complimented by a strong running game and ball playing ability. Damien Cook [caption id="attachment_31800" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 17: Damien Cook of the Rabbitohs looks on during the NRL trial match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Wigan at ANZ Stadium on February 17, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)[/caption] Should Fittler decide to go with a more offensive hooker than Nathan Peats, Damien Cook would be the man most likely to be selected. In addition to being able to provide good service to his halves, Cook can be explosive out of dummy half; giving his team another offensive option. Nathan Cleary [caption id="attachment_30224" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 04: Nathan Cleary of the Panthers looks to pass during the round 13 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Penrith Panthers at ANZ Stadium on June 4, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] At just 20 years of age, Nathan Cleary has already impressed the majority of NRL fans with his maturity and ability. Cleary is a great game manager with both a strong ball playing ability and kicking game. The young halfback would make a great partner to a more experienced five-eighth. Reagan Campbell-Gillard [caption id="attachment_29638" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Reagan Campbell-Gillard of the Panthers is tackled during the NRL Elimination Final match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)[/caption] Penrith’s Reagan Campbell-Gillard is another front row option for the Blues in 2018. Campbell-Gillard has already played for Australia on five occasions, which is not surprising given his incredible offensive efforts. Given his big match experience the Panthers prop is likely to be part of the Blues team in 2018. Paul Vaughan [caption id="attachment_32271" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] TOOWOOMBA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: Paul Vaughan of the Dragons celebrates scoring a try during the round three NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Clive Berghofer Stadium on March 25, 2018 in Toowoomba, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] One of two players almost certain to be debut, Dragon’s prop Paul Vaughan has more than earned a spot in the New South Wales team. After a terrific 2017, in which many believed Vaughan should have played for the Blues, the big man has continued to provide the Dragons with exceptional go-forward. Tom Trbojevic [caption id="attachment_31615" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Tom Trbojevic of the Sea Eagles runs with the ball during the NRL Elimination Final match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] It would be nearly impossible for Fittler to deny Tom Trbojevic a place in the New South Wales 17, even if it is only on the wing. The Sea Eagles' explosive fullback has already represented Australia on two occasions and more than deserves to represent the Blues.

		P	W	L	PTS	+/-
1	NZW	2	2	0	4	58
2	CAN	1	1	0	4	1
3	MEL	1	1	0	2	48
4	CRO	1	1	0	2	40
5	PEN	1	1	0	2	26
6	NEW	1	1	0	2	10
7	SOU	2	1	1	2	2
8	WST	0	0	0	2	0

Top 10 Players most likely to debut for New South Wales

Tom Trbojevic

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