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Top 10 surprise State of Origin selections in recent years

Published by
Michael Ehmer

The State of Origin teams have typically become more stable since 2010 however with a number of different coaches and strategies being deployed there have been a number of surprising selections. Here are 10 of the most unexpected selections in that time.

Anthony Milford (2017)

With Jonathan Thurston injured for the first game of the 2017 series, Queensland coach Kevin Walters was forced to select a new five-eighth. With Michael Morgan experienced in the arena, as well as Corey Norman in good club form, Walters instead selected Anthony Milford. The Broncos five-eighth was injured during the match and did not return until Game II of the 2018 series.

during game one of the State Of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on May 31, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia.

Daly Cherry-Evans (2018)

With New South Wales having wrapped up the series after Game II of the 2018 series, Kevin Walters turned to former Queensland halfback Daly Cherry-Evans. It had been more than 1000 days since the Manly halfback was selected for the Maroons, leading many fans to believe he would never be selected again.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 28: Daly Cherry-Evans of the Maroons speaks to his team-mates during game one of the State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on May 28, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Tim Grant (2012)

Selected for his size in Game II of 2012, Tim Grant was a left-field selection from then coach Ricky Stuart. The big prop excelled in his first game for the Blues, but after losing the series in Game III Grant was not included in the 2013 side.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Tim Grant walks out onto the field during a New South Wales Blues state of origin training session at Coogee Oval on June 8, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Nathan Merritt (2013)

For years many fans had called on try scoring machine Nathan Merritt to represent the Blues. By the time he was selected to replace to the suspended Blake Ferguson in 2013 however, there were a number of more qualified options for the spot. Merritt was replaced by James McManus in the next match.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 26: Nathan Merritt of the Blues in action during game two of the ARL State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 26, 2013 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Kade Snowden (2010)

The 2010 series was a tough one for New South Wales and there were a number of unexpected call-ups made by Ricky Stuart. Kade Snowden was one such player, brought in during Game III up front to help prevent a whitewash, but was unable to. Snowden maintained his position in the first game of the 2011 series but never played Origin again after that match.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 25: Kade Snowden of the Blues takes on the defence during game one of the ARL State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on May 25, 2011 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Jason King (2010)

Former Manly prop Jason King made his debut alongside Kade Snowden in Game III, 2010. King was another player that pundits did not expect to play State of Origin during his career. Like Snowden, King played the next Origin match but was dropped following that game.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Jason King is wrapped up by the defence of team mate Beau Scott during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin training session at Suncorp Stadium on May 24, 2011 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Dylan Walker (2016)

One of Laurie Daley’s most unexpected selections during his time as New South Wales head coach was Dylan Walker on the bench. Known primarily as a centre, Walker was almost certain not to succeed in the Origin arena and only lasted two games.

during game two of the State Of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia.

Tim Glasby (2017)

When Tim Glasby was selected in Game II of the 2017 series the media branded him “Tim Who” and wrote him off as a nobody. However, Kevin Walters surprise prop selection proved to be a great pick as he helped the Maroons to a victory.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 11: Tim Glasby during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin training session at Suncorp Stadium on July 11, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Matt Prior (2018)

After achieving victory in Game I of the 2018 series, starting prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard was injured while playing for the Panthers. With options like Ryan James and Shannon Boyd available, coach Brad Fittler instead replaced Campbell-Gillard with Matt Prior. The Sharks prop was himself replaced by Tariq Sims after his first game.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 19: Matt Prior of the Blues passes the ball during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin training session at Moore Park on June 19, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Jamie Buhrer (2012)

No one in the rugby league world predicted Ricky Stuart to select Jamie Buhrer as a utility for Game I of the 2012 series. Buhrer only played seven minutes for the Blues and was dumped for Game II after it was deemed he was unnecessary to the team.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 20: Jamie Buhrer of the Blues passes the ball during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin training session at AAMI Park on May 20, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images)
Published by
Michael Ehmer