New South Wales has shown faith in Nathan Cleary by selecting the incumbent Blues half-back in their squad for next month's State of Origin series opener in Brisbane.
Cleary was selected despite his indifferent form for his club side Penrith so far this season and he is set to partner debutant Cody Walker in the halves for the Blues.
The Blues named five players to make their Origin debut, with Walker's South Sydney teammate Cameron Murray, Raiders pair Nick Cotric and Jack Wighton, and Brisbane youngster Payne Haas also included.
Josh Morris, who has not played at the Origin level since 2016, makes a return to the Blues squad at age 32.
New South Wales coach Brad Fittler confirmed last year's victorious captain Boyd Cordner would again skipper the Blues.
State of Origin I will be played at Lang Park in Brisbane on June 5.
New South Wales squad: Boyd Cordner (c), Josh Addo-Carr, Nathan Cleary, Damien Cook, Nick Cotric, Angus Crichton, Tyson Frizell, Payne Haas, David Klemmer, Latrell Mitchell, Josh Morris, Cameron Murray, James Tedesco, Jake Trbojevic, Paul Vaughan, Cody Walker, Jack Wighton
More to come.
