James Tedesco has been axed as NSW’s State of Origin fullback, with Michael Maguire calling up Dylan Edwards in a bold start to his coaching tenure.
Maguire named his maiden Blues squad on Sunday night, with Jake Trbojevic as captain and Nicho Hynes to partner Jarome Luai in the halves despite a calf injury for the Cronulla star.
Reece Robson was selected as hooker ahead of Apisai Koroisau, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Zac Lomax are set to make their debut in the backline.
Cameron McInnes will make his debut and could start at lock, while Haumole Olakau’atu is also in line for his first Blues jersey.
The decision to drop Tedesco for the June 5 series opener at Stadium Australia in Sydney is by far the most notable.
The 2018 Dally M medallist is arguably the best fullback in NSW Origin history and has played a record 22 straight matches for the Blues.
But the Roosters star will become the first Australia Test captain to be dropped from their State of Origin side while still leading the Kangaroos.
Tedesco had been under pressure to keep his NSW spot since early last year, but has been in a rich vein of form for the Roosters in recent weeks.
