NSW Blues announce team for Origin series opener

NSW Blues have announced the team that will take on the Queensland Maroons in the opening match of the 2018 Holden State of Origin series at the MCG on June 6.

1. James Tedesco
2. Tom Trbojevic
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. James Roberts
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. James Maloney
7. Nathan Cleary
8. David Klemmer
9. Damien Cook
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Boyd Cordner (c)
12. Tyson Frizell
13. Jack De Belin
14. Paul Vaughan
15. Jake Trbojevic
16. Angus Crichton
17. Tyrone Peachey
18. Tariq Sims
19. Nick Cotric

Following the team announcement by NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres, Blues coach Brad Fitter said the team picked itself.

"I felt we needed combinations and balance ... I sat down with [selectors] Greg Alexander and Danny Buderus to pick our best 17 ... we put reputations to one side.

"The team comes first, we have picked an exciting group of footballers who play exciting footy."

The team includes 11 debutants and four players from both St George Illawarra and Penrith.

As predicted by NRL.com on Sunday, Blues regulars Aaron Woods, Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson, Wade Graham and Josh Jackson were all left out.

Source: NRL