Stephen Crichton has retained his spot in the NSW State of Origin team following questions over his form and a shoulder injury. Out of sorts since returning early from a serious AC joint injury, Crichton showed glimpses of his three-time premiership-winning best in Canterbury's loss at Magic Round.
Crichton has appeared tentative in his defence and passing since returning in Round 7, but has not missed a Blues game since his debut in 2022. AAP has been told he will be named on Laurie Daley's Blues team sheet at 7:30am on Monday morning.
Latrell Mitchell is also likely to be selected in the Blues' centres and operate under a customised training schedule after tweaking his back injury at Magic Round. "I spoke to him after the game. He said he was all good," Mitchell's friend and possible Blues teammate Josh Addo-Carr told AAP. "He's one of the best in the world, so hopefully he puts the Blues jersey on."
The pair's retention is likely to mean contenders Casey McLean, Kotoni Staggs and Tolu Koula are overlooked for starting spots in the centres, but one could be included on the newly-expanded six-man bench. Incumbent front-rower and Crichton's Bulldogs teammate Max King will not be called up, having only returned from a serious jaw injury in Friday's loss to Cronulla.
Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton, frequently a utility option on the Blues' bench, is also unlikely to be named. Addo-Carr was hopeful of receiving his first Origin game-time since 2023 amid a shortage of wing options. Brian To'o is a lock to be named on one wing, but Tom Trbojevic, Jacob Kiraz and Mark Nawaqanitawase are among the others unavailable.
Two-time premiership winner Addo-Carr has revived his career since arriving at Parramatta last year and still felt he had more to give at Origin level. "I definitely want to put my hand up for it, that's for sure," he said. "If Laurie and the leadership group want me to do a job for NSW, I'll definitely put my hand up and give it my all."
South Sydney's Campbell Graham is another option, but the second wing spot is only one selection quandary facing Daley. After the final day of Magic Round, the coach will need to determine whether to hand the fullback jersey to incumbent No.1 Dylan Edwards or former Blues captain James Tedesco.
Jackson Ford, Addin Fonua-Blake and Ethan Strange are among those considered in the frame for Origin debuts. A wealth of talent also leaves Daley to consider which two of Hudson Young, Haumole Olakau'atu, Angus Crichton and Jacob Preston should be starting in the second row.
