The NRL has a number of incredible players that no longer participate in the State of Origin series each year. These players have all represented their state at one stage, but now give all their effort to their club.
With 14 games for New South Wales under his belt, Ryan Hoffman proved he was made for higher levels of play. A dangerous runner and excellent defender on an edge, Hoffman was one of the first second row forwards picked in an era when the Blues had plenty of options.
It is little surprise that Brett Morris has played 15 games for the Blues, even in an era when many wingers were used. The Bulldogs winger, who was once the best in the game, always performed well even when his side failed to win.
Since returning from his stint in the NFL Jarryd Hayne has not been the same explosive player he once was. This does not take away from the fact that Hayne was excellent at Origin level and always threatened Queensland in his 23 Origin games, whether at fullback or on the wing.
Versatile, consistent and hard-working; Luke Lewis embodied all of these traits, particularly in State of Origin. Even in the later years of his career, Lewis always gave 100 per cent for New South Wales, and played 17 quality games for his state.
One of Queensland’s finest players over a long period of time, Sam Thaiday was once one of the best second row forwards in the game. Thaiday was a villain for New South Wales supporters during his 29-game career, both for his playing ability and his “third man in” nickname.
During his 28 game for the Maroons, Darius Boyd racked up an incredible 17 tries, as he showed what a quality finisher he was. At club level, Boyd is an excellent ball-playing fullback, but has always been one of the most consistent wingers at representative level.
Paul Gallen was a great captain for the New South Wales, even during some of the toughest years for the state. The lock forward has always put in a huge effort for both his club and representative sides, and could likely slot back into the 13 jersey for the Blues if he was called upon.
Cooper Cronk played 22 games for Queensland and whether he was the halfback or coming off the bench he had a huge influence on each game he was involved in. One of the best modern day game managers, Cronk never let his side down, and was one of the Maroons' greatest.
With 37 Origin games in his career, Jonathan Thurston was easily one of Queensland’s greatest of all time. The top point scorer in State of Origin history has dedicated 2018 to the Cowboys and remains an excellent playmaker, despite his form declining.
Perhaps the greatest captain in rugby league history, Cameron Smith represented the Maroons on a whopping 42 occasions. The inspirational leader has dedicated the rest of his career to the Melbourne Storm and will no doubt do an excellent job.