NSW legend Paul Gallen has unveiled his ideal team for the State of Origin series opener, making the difficult call to leave incumbent fullback Dylan Edwards out.
In what is undoubtedly the toughest decision facing coach Laurie Daley for game one, Edwards is locked in a tight battle with James Tedesco for the coveted No.1 jersey.
Tedesco won the Dally M Medal last season for the second time in his career, but didn’t feature for the Blues as they lost the series 2-1.
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Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday night, former captain Gallen delivered the verdict on his Blues’ team and has given the nod to the Roosters star.
“Dylan Edwards for me was the hardest one to leave out,” he said.
“Whoever they pick is gonna do a great job, but I just love Tedesco’s effort and I don’t feel there’s a player in the game that puts more effort in than him.
James Tedesco in action against the Titans. NRL Imagery
Gallen admitted he thought about selecting Edwards on the wing to accommodate both players, but couldn’t look past in-form veteran Daniel Tupou.
“I thought about having him on the wing, but the reason I didn’t have him was purely the height and the kicking threat that Tupou possesses,” he said.
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Edwards has been part of Penrith’s golden era, winning four grand finals in a row from 2021-2024, while also featuring five times in the past two Origin series.
Queensland great Cameron Smith admitted he would lean towards the incumbent.
“Really interesting – that’s gonna be the debatable one,” he said.
Dylan Edwards. Getty
“I’d have this bloke [Edwards] every day of the week. I know Teddy is in great form and has been over the past couple of seasons, but I really like Dylan Edwards.
“The work that he does in the back-field, he’s like an extra front-rower and he’s not a big body… those hard yards can be so valuable at this level.”
Phil Gould – the state’s greatest ever coach – remained somewhat coy on the fullback debate, but seemingly gave Edwards the slight edge.
“It’s a pretty good side anywhere in the world at the moment that doesn’t have Dylan Edwards in it, I can tell you,” the former Blues coach said.
Gallen made some other big selection calls for the Blues, naming hooker Blayke Brailey to make his debut and pushing for Tolu Koula’s inclusion on the six-man bench.
Tolutau Koula is firming for an Origin call-up. Getty
Rabbitohs duo Keaon Koloamatangi and Cameron Murray are both back on deck, while he also favoured Sharks prop Addin Fonua-Blake for a debut in the middle.
Spencer Leniu and Stephen Crichton are both in Gallen’s side for the series opener on May 27 in Sydney despite middling form at club level.
Paul Gallen’s NSW Blues team
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Latrell Mitchell 5. Brian To’o 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Mitch Barnett 9. Reece Robson 10. Addin Fonua-Blake 11. Angus Crichton 12. Hudson Young 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Blayke Brailey 15. Cameron Murray 16. Keaon Koloamatangi 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Haumole Olakau’atu 19. Tolu Koula
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