HOW NSW SHAPE UP FOR ORIGIN III
Fullback – James Tedesco (age 26)
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 3
The unsung hero of game two, ran for 181 metres, came up with two linebreaks and two linebreak assists as well as setting up two tries. Has also been a powerhouse in defence all series.
Winger – Josh Addo-Carr (age 23)
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 4
An outstanding performer on the Blues’ left edge this year. He made several try-saving tackles in Brisbane before running for a game-high 212m and scoring two tries in Perth.
Centre – Tom Trbojevic (age 22)
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 5
A superstar in every position. Despite having played just seven senior games at centre heading into game two, his selection there proved a masterstroke. He used his size and ability to run rampant and popped up in support in all the right places to score three tries.
Centre – Jack Wighton (age 26)
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 0
A big body whose tough carries were instrumental in getting NSW into good position. Looks set to be a mainstay of Blues sides in years to come.
Winger – Blake Ferguson (age 29)
Origins: 8
Origin tries: 0
A front-rower masquerading as a winger. Has redefined what is expected of outside backs. If he can get going on plays one and two, the Blues forwards will be hard to stop.
Five-eighth – James Maloney (age 33)
Origins: 13
Origin tries: 2
After being out of form all year, has flicked a switch in recent weeks. After being overlooked for the series opener, was a difference-maker after being brought into the side.
Halfback – Mitchell Pearce (age 30)
Origins: 18
Origin tries: 3
After seven series’ losses, can the much-maligned Pearce finally hold the Origin shield aloft? Brought in after Nathan Cleary succumbed to an ankle injury.
Prop – Daniel Saifiti (age 23)
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
Was outstanding on debut in the starting side in Origin II and refused to take a backwards step. Despite not even being in consideration for game one, could now be a player of the future.
Hooker – Damien Cook (age 28)
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 0
By far the most damaging ball-running dummy-half in the game and offers Brad Fittler a real point of difference. Despite making 33 tackles at Optus Stadium, still provided plenty of spark.
Prop – Paul Vaughan (age 28)
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 0
Was responsible for getting NSW on the front foot when he came on halfway through the first half in game two. Arguably the second-best performing prop this NRL season behind David Klemmer.
Second-row – Boyd Cordner (age 27)
Origins: 14
Origin tries: 2
Has grown into the captaincy since taking over from Paul Gallen in 2017. Tireless in defence and attack, the best left-edge back-rower in the world.
Second-row – Tyson Frizell (age 27)
Origins: 10
Origin tries: 3
After being quiet in Origin I, he more than atoned in game two. Set the tempo with his defence and hit the line hard every time he carried the ball.
Lock – Jake Trbojevic (age 25)
Origins: 8
Origin tries: 1
After a late shift from lock to the front row, won man of the match honours in Perth. Made 27 tackles and didn’t miss a single one. Also might be the nicest man in rugby league.
Interchange:
Dale Finucane (age 27)
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
Enjoyed one of the best Origin debuts in years and made a real difference in the Blues’ middle. While a no-frills forward, is made for the Origin arena and hardly missed a beat in defence.
David Klemmer (age 25)
Origins: 13
Origin tries: 0
Initially was controversially overlooked after missing game two with a broken wrist. But having run for an average 174m this NRL season – the second most in the league – and carving up in game one, his inclusion is a big plus.
Cameron Murray (age 21)
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 0
Has been relatively quiet in his opening two Origin games but has hardly looked out of his depth. Only played 32 minutes in Origin II but was solid in defence and considered a player of the future.
Wade Graham (age 28)
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 0
Will once again fill the interchange utility role and his value can’t be understated. If he does go on in the forwards, could spend time in the middle.
