Who will be named in NSW and Queensland teams
Updated ,first published
With Latrell Mitchell ruled out of Origin I with a back injury, Manly speedster Tolu Koula looks set to make his Blues debut.
Laurie Daley was to be named in the NSW squad early on Monday but there was drama on Sunday when it emerged Mitchell was available after injuring himself during South Sydney’s defeat to the Dolphins on Friday night.
The 28-year-old woke up feeling sore on Sunday and subsequently removed himself from the Origin conversation for the sake of both the Blues and Souths.
Blues captain Isaah Yeo praised Mitchell for being so selfless, saying late on Sunday: “It’s disappointing for him because he’s been in outstanding form. He’s one of those players who gives everyone confidence on the pitch, especially when he’s in a bad mood.”
“It was a truly selfless act. If you ask him, no one wants to play more for their country, especially what he did in that arena.”
Yeo said there were many happy Penrith players in the dugouts after their matches. Defeat dragonsHowever, he did not want to give the names of his teammates who will join him in Origin I at Accor Stadium on 27 May. Casey McLean and Tom Jenkins, who took his season tally to 18 with a double against the Dragons, were also in the conversation in NSW.
“A surprise for tomorrow morning; obviously there are some very happy children there,” Yeo said.
“We sit at the top of the stairs, so you’d like to think that puts the players in a position to be looked at.” [by selectors].”
Nathan Cleary and Brian To’o will return for the Blues, Canberra forwards Hudson Young and Ethan Strange, Mitchell Moses will join Cleary in the halves, while South Sydney’s Cameron Murray returns after missing last year’s series with an Achilles injury.
Manly’s resurgence under coach Kieran Foran has helped Koula and Haumole Olakau’atu make the cut.
“He’s incredibly fast, has great balance and is a game-breaker,” Yeo said of Koula.
“He’s got the X-factor and once he’s cleared there aren’t many people stopping him.”
Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton is also expected to retain his place at right centre, despite being part of a Bulldogs team that has lost five consecutive games.
Crichton was in danger of losing his place in NSW due to Canterbury’s steep decline but the Blues are set to keep faith in the three-time Penrith title winner. The 25-year-old has played in the last 12 State Origin matches for NSW.
Reece Robson, who has been the Blues’ hooker for the last eight State of Origin matches, is considered likely to extend his run in the representative arena, while Cronulla’s Blayke Brailey has also been tipped to make his Origin debut.
Under the rules, NSW and Queensland’s 20th player will return to their respective clubs next week.
But the 20th player in the NSW squad will come from a team that has a bye, meaning they could remain in State Origin camp.
Clubs were told that selected players would receive a call from Daley following the Panthers-Dragons game. Blues football manager Frank Ponissi will then contact the clubs where the selected players are based.
Meanwhile, Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga says he is ready to take on any role for Queensland amid speculation he will be named as the Maroons’ halfback.
“I play anywhere,” Ponga said. “I know what kind of person I am, when I put my mind to it, I get excited about challenges.
“Obviously full-back is my position but like I said, I play all over Queensland.”
Ponga played two matches in the number 7 jersey for his former club North Queensland in the former under-20 competitions in 2016 and 2017 but has not worn the jersey since.
Selecting him there would allow the Maroons to include Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow or Reece Walsh at fullback.
Former NSW coach Brad Fittler said talk of Ponga playing in the halves was “horrible”, but the Blues and a back-rower like Young would do anything to get him working more defensively up front.
“[Cameron] Munster and Harry Grant are experienced enough to control the kicking game,” Fittler told this imprint.
“It would be terrible if Kalyn was the primary receiver and could get more of the ball.
“But the problem is Kalyn will have to stand up front and most likely Hudson Young will attack him, he will have to stand up defensively and tackle.”
Roosters and Maroons center Rob Toia was being monitored for a head knock.
Queensland will also announce the name of its team on Monday morning.
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Chris Barrett is senior sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald. He is a former Southeast Asia correspondent for the Herald and The Age newspapers.Connect with: X or email.
