Brad Fittler has officially unveiled his NSW Blues squad for the State of Origin opener.
After months of speculation, Jarome Luai has retained the No.6 jumper ahead of Nicho Hynes, who has been named to make his Origin debut off the bench.
Joining the reigning Dally M Medal winner in the side are Canberra's Hudson Young and Canterbury's Tevita Pangai Junior, with the latter a shock inclusion for the Blues following the late withdrawal of Jake Trbojevic.
Josh Addo-Carr and Tom Trbojevic have been named to return to the side in the centres, with in-form South Sydney centre Campbell Graham missing out on selection.
Here's all the major talking points from the NSW Blues Game I team announcement.
Jarome Luai retains No.6 jersey ahead of Nicho Hynes
After months of speculation regarding who would partner Nathan Cleary in the halves, his Penrith teammate has got the nod in a massive decision from Fittler.
Luai had been sound throughout the opening stages of 2023, but came alive in the side's Round 11 demolition of the Roosters, before another solid showing in Round 12 against the Broncos cemented his spot.
With six try assists and eight linebreak assists this season, Luai's form is nowhere near that of Hynes, who led the Sharks to the top-four last season and has backed it up this year since returning from a calf injury.
The 26-year-old has already produced nine try assists and 13 linebreak assists in less games than Luai, while also forcing six dropouts for Cronulla.
Hynes has been named on the bench for his NSW debut, beating the likes of Matt Burton and Damien Cook for the utility role.
Api Koroisau wins tight battle for hooker spot
It came down to the wire, but the performance of Api Koroisau in Saturday night's massive win for the Tigers was enough to get him over the line.
After an off-season switch from the Panthers and a slow start to the year in his new colours, Koroisau has done enough to retain his sky blue jumper and will assume the sole hooking role.
Damien Cook has been in brilliant form for the Rabbitohs this year and has played 80 minutes in all 12 appearances, but it wasn't enough to keep himself in the side.
It's the second major snub for Cook in the past eight months, with the dynamic No.9 overlooked for Australia's squad at the Rugby League World Cup at the back-end of 2022.
Brad Fittler names three debutants in NSW lineup
Along with the aforementioned Hynes, two other players will get their first taste of Origin football in the series opener at Adelaide Oval.
After a strong push from the likes of Andrew Johns in recent weeks, in-form back-rower Young will make his NSW debut off the bench after impressing for the Raiders this year.
The 24-year-old has crossed for five tries this year and averages over 100 run metres per game, while his ability to play in both the middle and on the edge made him a no-brainer selection for the Blues.
The massive shock however came in the form of Pangai Junior, who had not been mentioned at all by experts or fans alike, but was parachuted into the Blues squad after the late withdrawal of Trbojevic due to a calf issue.
The rampaging prop produced a stellar effort against the Titans in Round 12 and beat the likes of Jack de Belin, David Klemmer and Tevita Tatola for a spot on the bench.
Pangai will join the likes of Payne Haas and Junior Paulo in the front-row rotation for NSW.
Campbell Graham overlooked for NSW Blues debut
Despite his form across the past few years, his performances in the World Cup for the Kangaroos and his dominance on the right-edge for the Bunnies, the imposing centre will miss out on a spot in the NSW side for the series opener.
Graham has crossed for 12 tries in as many games this season, while also making 15 linebreaks and averaging 144 run metres per game.
The 23-year-old looked certain for a spot in the centres or on the wing, but the performances of both Trbojevic and Addo-Carr on Sunday afternoon saw Fittler stick with the experienced duo out wide.
Graham will act as 18th man for the Blues, while the make-up of the wider training squad is yet to be finalised.
Brian To'o, James Tedesco and the aforementioned Latrell Mitchell will make up the remainder of the backline.
Tyson Frizell ends Origin exodus with shock call-up
After missing out on selection the past two years due to injury and form concerns, Tyson Frizell will make his first appearance for the Blues since the 2020 series loss in the Adelaide clash.
The 31-year-old has returned to his best for the Knights this year, scoring four tries and averaging just shy of 100 run metres per game.
His selection on the bench will see him join the likes of Liam Martin, Cameron Murray and Isaah Yeo in the back-row rotation.
NSW Blues Game 1 confirmed team
1. James Tedesco
2. Josh Addo-Carr
3. Tom Trbojevic
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Brian To'o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Payne Haas
9. Api Koroisau
10. Junior Paulo
11. Cameron Murray
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Nicho Hynes
15. Tyson Frizell
16. Hudson Young
17. Tevita Pangai Junior
18th man: Campbell Graham