With the State of Origin fast approaching, the time has come for the debate to rage about which players will pull on the six and seven jerseys for New South Wales.
These are the 10 players most likely to be selected in the halves by NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler.
Though 2018 has been somewhat rocky for Matt Moylan at the Sharks, the talented playmaker has already represented both New South Wales and Australia. Moylan’s instinctive ball playing and impressive running game may not be enough to make up for his defensive liabilities.
A poor start to the Eels 2018 campaign has seriously hurt Mitchell Moses chances of making an Origin debut. The talented young halfback has shown signs of his best but needs more consistent performances if he wants to represent the Blues.
A string of injuries has ensured that Adam Reynolds has only played for the Blues on two occasions. Despite being a very reliable halfback and boasting a strong kicking game, Reynolds would need to play extremely well over the next month in order to be selected.
Luke Brooks rolled into contention for a position in the New South Wales side thanks to his impressive form to start the year. Brooks has been instrumental in turning the Tigers around since 2017 and his impressive form cannot be ignored.
Cody Walker is an incredibly talented five-eighth that is continuing to improve for the Rabbitohs. One of the competitions biggest threats with the ball in hand; Walker would be much higher on the list if he was able to eliminate the mistakes and errors from his game.
Jack Bird has already played for the Blues on five occasions and it is not hard to see why. The Broncos halfback has a very strong running game and is great defensively, which is important in the Origin arena.
Luke Keary has become one of the best running halves in the NRL since joining the Roosters. His ability to strike from anywhere on the field at any time makes him a valuable asset that the Blues would surely welcome.
Despite the Warriors big loss to the Storm, Blake Green is still one of the most in-form players in the entire competition. Green’s ability to control a team, mixed with his strong kicking and passing game would make him a great option for Fittler’s team.
At only 20 years old, Nathan Cleary has already shown that he is a very gifted playmaker that is excellent at game management. Should he return from injury in time for Origin, Cleary is in line to make his debut for the Blues.
Not only is James Maloney experienced in the representative arena he is in great form for the Panthers. The nine-time New South Wales playmaker is already very familiar with what is expected in Origin and will almost certainly be Fittler’s first choice halfback.