The New South Wales Blues have announced their squad for Game 1 of the State of Origin series, with James Tedesco named as the fullback, despite the presence of Dylan Edwards. This decision has sparked debate and discussion among fans and experts alike, with a focus on the winners and losers from the selection process. In my opinion, the biggest surprise is the omission of Angus Crichton, a stalwart of the Blues since his debut in 2018. Personally, I think that his versatility and dependability in the pack make him a key player, and his absence is a significant loss for the team. However, the selection of Haumole Olakau'atu and Hudson Young in the second row is a strong choice, with both players in excellent form. The new eligibility rules have also opened up the selection pool, with players like Addin Fonua-Blake and Victor Radley earning call-ups. The Blues have a challenging task ahead of them, and the selection process has raised questions about the team's strategy and the players' form. In my view, the selection of Tedesco and the new faces in the squad show a commitment to a dynamic and versatile style of play, which could be a key factor in their success this year.
