SportsFan's NSW team for Origin I

May 23, 2013 - 3:00 PM With New South Wales aiming to end Queensland's unprecedented seven-year winning streak, we name a team capable of finally taking out a series for the Blues.

Playing it safe hasn't worked in the past, so we've named a few risky inclusions who have the potential to blow the Maroons off the park.

1. Jarryd Hayne: Although his form at club level always seems to be hot and cold, the Origin stage brings out the best in Hayne and he is the obvious fullback choice with Brett Stewart out injured. One of the few shining lights for the Blues over the years of Queensland domination.

2. Nathan Merritt: Merritt has a great habit of finding the try-line, so given their struggles in recent years it's hard to believe the Blues haven't yet given him a jersey. He was the competition's leading try-scorer in 2006 (when the Rabbitohs finished last), was equal top try-scorer in 2011 and is the current leading try-scorer in 2013.

3. Michael Jennings: His move to the Roosters this season has proved a masterstroke as he's been in scintillating touch. Has been picked in Origin previously even when not at his best in the NRL, so now that his game has come back to him he should be a selection certainty.

4. Josh Morris: Has had a quiet start to 2013 with the Bulldogs but they were missing key forwards at the beginning of the season, thus limiting his opportunities without a strong platform. Is dangerous when he gets one-on-one with opposing defenders and his blistering speed will be a worry for the Maroons.

5. Blake Ferguson: The often erratic Ferguson has hit form at the right time and finally looks as though he is starting to realise his enormous potential. With the ability to blow any opposition off the park, he is just the sort of player NSW needs. Could be a Blues version of Greg Inglis.

6. Terry Campese: Adds balance to the halves combination being a bigger body. There are probably more talented five-eighths the Blues can pick but size is important on the Origin stage and Campese provides that along with a cool head. James Maloney was close to being named here and only misses out because of combinations.

7. Todd Carney: Didn't set the world on fire in his debut Origin series last year but is a serious talent who is worth persisting with. Is the first genuine superstar the Blues have had in the halves since Andrew Johns. Gets the nod over Mitchell Pearce at halfback. Pearce has had long enough to prove himself, and hasn't.

8. Willie Mason: When Mason left the NRL at the end of 2010 it was crazy to think he would ever play State of Origin again, but maturity and a better attitude has seen the Willie of old return with Newcastle. Has won the series with NSW before so his experience will be vital.

9. Robbie Farah: Made the NSW hooker position his own in the 2012 series with a stunning individual performance that saw him win the Brad Fittler Medal as the Blues' best player. The Wests Tigers have struggled in 2013 but that won't matter at the selection table.

10. James Tamou: Since his controversial selection for Australia in the early-season Test of 2012, Tamou has been a regular in both the Kangaroos and Blues sides and has made the front-row position his own. Will be one of the first picked.

11. Greg Bird: Has won three State of Origin man of the match awards ? more than any current NSW player ? so his selection is a no-brainer.

12. Ryan Hoffman: Though absent from the Origin scene since 2009, Melbourne's Hoffman is, quite simply, a winner, and for that reason alone NSW should be calling upon his services. The 29-year-old has played in three premierships with the Storm (two of which were stripped), and he'll pass on some handy insights on how to handle the big three.

13. Paul Gallen (c): Has been the Blues' most consistent performer for a number of years now and picks himself. Deserves to skipper NSW to a series victory and hopefully for Blues fans it will come this year.

Interchange: 14. Kurt Gidley 15. Tariq Sims 16. Andrew Fifita 17. Anthony Watmough

A strong mix of experience and in-form debutants off the bench would hold NSW in good stead. Gidley gets the nod in the utility position. The 30-year-old is often a victim of his own brilliance ? his ability to occupy different positions sees him play off the bench in rep games rather than earn starting roles.

Sims and Fifita haven't played an Origin between them but both are in-form wrecking balls who will wreak havoc on the Maroons. The inclusion of Watmough, who has nine Origins to his name, balances out the selections of the newcomers.

What's your take on this team? Who would you pick for the Blues? Have your say in the comments.

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