Laurie Daley's first intern as NSW coach was marked by relentless loyalty. Conservatism seems to have continued to his popular seat in return for NSW after the Blues announced the 2025 series, with 16 players last year named after the opening match with only one debut.

Mitchell Moses eliminated Jarome Luai with the No. 6 jersey, Latrell Mitchell named in the center, and Dylan Edwards was strongly challenged by former Blues captain James Tedesco to retain the defender jersey. Tom Trbojevic's absence was a small surprise, but he was clearly a long distance from full health, and Daley said the Manly star would return when he recovered.

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Related: Country of Origin: Queensland's confidence in new blood, NSW hand polishing shock debuts

While Daley's backline choices were barely surprised, his forward rotation and bench, especially the missed form, Prop Terrell May's decision was confusing. May has been a revelation for the Tigers this season, not only did a lot of work done in a big minute, but it also brought real impact. Payne Haas has questions, May's death seems incredible.

Few would think that May is both performing better and better than the inconsistent Spencer Leniu and Bolter peletant Max King. Last year, Leniu did not lose admirers when he got Origin's call, but this year only exceeded 100m twice, with only two unloads, an average of three tackle breaks per game. King has always been relentless against Bulldogs, but he is more of a main force than a purebred. May's game is less than 140 million, with an average of nearly four tackles per game, and three games per game are uninstalled.

The decision to name Hudson Young on the bench was also curious, considering the similarity between the youngster and the 80-minute fringe Liam Martin. Both are great players who run hard and bring aggressiveness, but neither seems to fit in the bench. Last year, Young had little impact in the first game, only 13 meters, and made 11 tackles in a limited time. Choosing young players like Haumole Olakau'atu and Keaon Koloamatangi doesn't make much sense.

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There is a lot to say that Young can cover up the outer back if needed, but it will be a clear twist compared to previous matches. Nicho Hynes was deployed two years ago when Trbojevic fell and Damien Cook played at the left center when Trbojevic beat a game.

Uber's conservative Daley is unlikely to use the Kamikaze approach Brad Fittler did, but Young is hardly suitable to play an external role when needed - given the recent history of external backs has been reduced in small bodies, Young's ambiguity around young characters and the ambiguity of the role played on the bench, surprisingly, the real influence has been ignored.

Ryan Papenhuyzen is in irresistible and able to fill any backline position, and Matt Burton can again think he missed it. Given the frequency of lack of external backs in past melancholy, this seems like an unnecessary running risk, only Brian To'o and Zac Lomax have only recently been enhanced by recent injuries, while Stephen Crichton has suffered groin injuries.

Billy Slater threw some late curve balls along with Queensland's team along with Tom Gilbert, Selwyn Cobbo and Murray Taulagi, which all suffered damage over the weekend, leaving them unable to count the series opener. Gilbert and Cobbo are unlikely to be used in the rest of the series.

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Slater has won two wins from his three chiefs and is often proven to be the right risk. Named 10-game center Robert Toia made his debut as probably his biggest punt. Although Rooster Center is undeniable talent, he faces a daunting task of shutting down Latrell Mitchell. Toia has performed well in his short career and seems to be risking over SOS than veterans like Dane Gagai.

Both Beau Fermor and Trent Loiero have been appointed to make their debut on the bench with Fermor, especially enjoying their careers. His figure is played in maroon, muscles, bones and hearts.

The biggest problem with Maroon is the health of star striker Patrick Carrigan. Mustang props are concerned about facial injuries and need to be removed by medical staff. Carrigan is almost irreplaceable, so Slater may give him every chance to prove his fitness.

Most of the time of the game and series will be decided in the selection table. Again, Slater and Queensland have the advantage of entering the series.