Top Naija News – Nigeria News, Nigerian News & Top Stories Top Naija News – Nigerian Newspapers, Nigerian News. topnaijanews is a daily Nigerian newspaper covering Latest News, Breaking News, Entertainment, Sports, Lifestyle and Politics.
Michael Maguire has unveiled his first team as NSW Blues coach, with plenty of surprise inclusions and omissions for the State of Origin opener.
Jake Trbojevic will captain the side, with incumbent skipper and fullback James Tedesco axed in the biggest call from the new coach.
In place of Tedesco, three-time premiership winner Dylan Edwards will earn his first opportunity at Origin level in the No.1 jumper after already representing Australia.
READ MORE: Hammer error the ‘turning point’ in Warriors comeback
READ MORE: Injury-hit Titans stun Broncos in 70-point thriller
EXCLUSIVE: ‘Confidence’ gives pint-sized rookie keys to Gold Coast
It’s a major decision from Maguire, who could have went with the safe option of Tedesco – especially given his current form with the Roosters – but has opted to wipe the slate clean and bring Edwards into the crucial position.
Jarome Luai and Nicho Hynes will pair up in the halves, despite the Cronulla halfback struggling with a calf injury and failing to finish his side’s round 12 loss against Penrith.
Despite lingering concerns over his fitness, Hynes is confident he can get the job done and step up to the occasion for the Blues.
”Yep, for sure, 100 per cent,” he told 9News on Sunday.
“I’ll be doing whatever I can to make sure that if I am picked, I’m ready to go and I’ll be confident to wear a sky blue jersey.
“It would be nice if I was given a chance to prove myself that I will be fit to go. It’s feeling better than it was when I went to bed last night, so that is a positive sign.”
In another major selection call from the coach and his staff, Reece Robson has got the nod at hooker ahead of Tigers star Api Koroisau.
Angus Crichton has earned a recall after a stellar career resurgence in 2024, while the likes of Payne Haas and Brian To’o were always certainties to gain a spot.
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Maguire has also named six debutants – Edwards, Joseph Suaalii, Zac Lomax, Cameron McInnes, Spencer Leniu and Haumole Olakau’atu – for the clash on June 5.
Lomax will feature on the wing – despite his preference to play in the centres leading to an early exit from the Dragons – while Suaalii has been named in the centres for NSW.
McInnes spent time with Maguire at the Rabbitohs early in his career and will start at lock, pushing Penrith’s Isaah Yeo to the bench.
Olakau’atu and Leniu will add some much-needed punch to the Blues off the bench, while Canberra enforcer Young has been in strong form this year and is back in blue.
NSW Blues Game 1 team
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Brian To’o 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Joseph Suaalii 5. Zac Lomax 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Jake Trbojevic (c) 9. Reece Robson 10. Payne Haas 11. Liam Martin 12. Angus Crichton 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Isaah Yeo 15. Haumole Olakau’atu 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Hudson Young
Reserves: Matt Burton, Luke Keary, Mitch Barnett
