New South Wales Blues coach Brad Fittler has made a shock selection in his starting midfield for next week's State of Origin opener at Sydney.
Canberra Raiders star Jack Wighton has been named to start at centre, ahead of Panthers star Stephen Crichton, pairing with debutant Brisbane Broncos powerhouse Kotoni Staggs.
Crichton will now make his debut off the bench, along with fellow newcomer Ryan Matterson of Parramatta Eels.
Blues will field a newlook backline for the Origin opener, with Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic ruled out by injury.
James Tedesco captains the side from fullback, next to wings Daniel Tupou and Brian To'o, while the dynamic Panthers duo of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai partner again in the halves.
Cameron Murray and Tariq Sims start in the second row, with Payne Haas and Junior Paulo at prop and South Sydney speedster Damien Cook at hooker.
Cronulla standout Nicho Hynes has been named 18th man and Tyson Frizell 19th man.
Game one takes place at Sydney's Accor Stadium on June 8.
New South Wales: 1-James Tedesco, 2-Brian To’o, 3-Kotoni Staggs, 4-Jack Wighton, 5-Daniel Tupou, 6-Jarome Luai, 7-Nathan Cleary, 8-Payne Haas, 9-Damien Cook, 10-Junior Paulo, 11-Cameron Murray, 12-Tariq Sims, 13-Isaah Yeo
Interchange: 14-Stephen Crichton, 15-Liam Martin, 16-Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 17-Ryan Matterson
Join us at 10:10pm Wednesday for live updates of State of Origin I or tune into THREE for free-to-air coverage
