On a dramatic Sunday in which he finalised his first Origin team,Maguire phoned Tedesco,NSW’s longest-serving player,to tell him his streak of 22 straight Origin games was over.
Dylan Edwards is set to make his State of Origin debut,with James Tedesco dumped by NSW.
Jake Trbojevic will assume the NSW captaincy and Penrith’s three-time premiership-winning fullback Dylan Edwards will wear the Blues No.1 jersey.
In other selection news,Maguire’s new era will include a major overhaul with:
James Tedesco has been axed as NSW captain.Getty
Not since Fittler debuted 11 players in his first match as coach in the successful 2018 series has a NSW team undergone such significant change,and the biggest selection was Maguire overlooking Roosters captain Tedesco.
The 31-year-old had been under pressure from Edwards for his position,but has been in outstanding form this season.
Yet Maguire has opted for a fresh look and a team full of youth,with Trbojevic and McInnes the oldest players in the squad at 30.
It will mean the Blues field an entirely new starting spine from the team which saved face with a game three win last year against Queensland.
NSW will allow Hynes time to overcome a calf injury which has plagued him for the last few weeks,although he will be on restricted duties to start their game one preparation.
Luai could be asked to take on the halfback role with Roosters veteran Keary,who will retire at the end of the season,waiting for his just second Origin appearance if Hynes isn’t passed fit.
Asked about his transition to the halfback role,Luai said after the Panthers’ hammering of the Sharks on Saturday night:“Having the best player in the NRL[Nathan Cleary] definitely helps.
“I’ve asked him to watch my every move,and give me tips on what he looks for in teams,and when to do stuff. He’s been a big part of why I’ve been doing OK in this role.
“I know we’re different players,and we’re good at different things – I don’t want to try to be someone I’m not – but it’s more the mental things,the team management in that role – it’s something I can get better at.”
There was no spot for Mitchell despite the Rabbitohs star escaping suspension for a hip-drop tackle during South Sydney’s Indigenous Round win over the Eels.
Suaalii,who will switch to rugby union on a bumper $5 million,three-year deal from 2025,will tick a major box in his final months in rugby league after the 20-year-old won the nod from Maguire.
Dragons star Zac Lomax is expected to play on the wing with Suaalii in the centres as part of a new-look backline.
Maguire has opted for punch on his bench with Olakau’atu and Leniu to be joined by Penrith’s Isaah Yeo and Canberra’s Hudson Young.
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