Laurie Daley has admitted there are still several tough selection calls to make ahead of Monday’s official squad announcement, with the race for the NSW Blues fullback spot still undecided.
Speaking in the lead-up to the Game One squad reveal, Daley said selectors were taking extra time to finalise a few key positions, including the battle between incumbent fullback Dylan Edwards and reigning Dally M Medallist James Tedesco.
“There’s a couple of contentious ones,” Daley said. “There’s a couple we want to be sure with and we want to give ourselves every last moment. Certainly, last impressions are good.”
Daley explained that both Edwards and Tedesco suit the style of football NSW wants to play, making the decision even more difficult.
“At the end of the day, it’s just a matter of who we think will play how we want to play and they’re both capable of doing that,” he said.
“That’s what’s clouded the decision. Whatever way we go, we can’t lose.”
While Edwards remains the incumbent, Tedesco’s outstanding form for the Sydney Roosters during their six-match winning streak has intensified pressure on selectors.
On NRL 360, Braith Anasta revealed there were growing rumours that Tedesco may have edged ahead in the race for the No.1 jersey.
“There were some murmurs today that maybe Tedesco has got the spot,” Anasta said.
However, journalist Brent Read believes Edwards is still likely to retain the role.
“I would be surprised if Dylan Edwards is not the fullback. It’s a huge call,” Read said.
Another major talking point surrounds the centres, with Kotoni Staggs emerging as a strong contender despite currently serving a suspension.
Anasta claimed Staggs is “a big chance” to claim the right centre position, potentially challenging incumbent Stephen Crichton, who has battled injury and inconsistent form in recent weeks.
Daley confirmed suspended players remain eligible for selection and stressed the importance of leadership and experience when evaluating candidates.
“I think you weigh up leadership,” Daley said.
“The aura that someone has in a group and some of those intangibles are what you’re looking for because you know that on that stage they will deliver because they’ve done it in the past.”
While Brian To'o appears certain to secure one wing spot, competition for the opposite flank remains wide open.
With Jacob Kiraz and Mark Nawaqanitawase unavailable, experienced names such as Josh Addo-Carr and Campbell Graham are in contention alongside younger options including Thomas Jenkins, Casey McLean and Jack Bostock.
Daley confirmed selectors are open to using a centre on the wing if it strengthens the side.
“It’s sort of a decision you’ve got to make when you go with a centre or a winger, but certainly open to playing a centre on the wing,” he said.
McLean’s potential selection has sparked debate after the young star recently became eligible for NSW selection under updated eligibility rules.
Read questioned whether the teenager is ready for the Origin arena after some defensive struggles this season.
“Casey McLean started the year brilliant but his last month, he’s flatlined a bit,” Read said.
“I would have thought guys like Josh Addo-Carr and Campbell Graham, who’ve been there and done it before, would have their nose in front.”
Anasta, however, believes McLean’s long-term potential could tempt selectors.
“He’s not only a rising star but a player who could play for the next 10 years,” Anasta said.
“There is a luxury of riches there. They could go with experience, they could go with rookies.”
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