Jarome Luai has been named to make his State of Origin debut for the NSW Blues in the June 9 series opener, one of six Penrith Panthers players named in the 19-man squad.
Luai is one of three debutants named in coach Brad Fittler’s squad, along with Panthers teammates Brian To’o and Liam Martin.
Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell also makes his return to the star-studded line-up, while Roosters fullback James Tedesco has been named as captain in place of the injured Boyd Cordner.
Fittler said he was happy with the side, which is aiming to win back the Origin Shield after a shock loss to the Maroons in 2020.
“We’ve got a good mix of players from in-form teams and players who have worn the NSW Blues jumper with distinction in the past and never let their state down,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to working with all the players in camp and I’m confident our preparation will stand us in good stead to try and win back the Origin Shield.”
Fittler also said the NSW government had made a last-ditch bid for Bankwest Stadium to host Origin I with a decision expected on the venue by Monday.
Townsville is the frontrunner to replace the MCG, which is now unlikely to host due to COVID-19 outbreak and Victoria lockdown.
Queensland is set to announce its side for Game I on Monday morning.
NSW squad: 1 James Tedesco (c) (Sydney Roosters) 2 Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers) 3 Latrell Mitchell (South Sydney Rabbitohs) 4 Tom Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles) 5 Josh Addo-Carr (Melbourne Storm) 6 Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers) 7 Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers) 8 Daniel Saifiti (Newcastle Knights) 9 Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs) 10 Jake Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles) 11 Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs) 12 Tariq Sims (St George Illawarra Dragons) 13 Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers) 14 Jack Wighton (Canberra Raiders) 15 Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels) 16 Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos) 17 Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers) 18 Apisai Koroisau (Penrith Panthers) 19 Campbell Graham (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
ABC/AAP
