Dylan Edwards act that won him Blues State of Origin debut ahead of James Tedesco

If NSW coach Michael Maguire was on the fence about whether to pick James Tedesco for State of Origin Game I or drop the incumbent Blues captain in favour of Penrith No.1 Dylan Edwards, one moment on Saturday night made his decision obvious. Tedesco's axing was the biggest bombshell for the Blues, with Maguire confirming his 20-man squad on Monday.

Maguire's Blues will have a distinctly different look for the series opener in Sydney on June 5, with Edwards one of six debutants named in the Blues' 17, alongside Joseph Suaalii, Zac Lomax, Cameron McInnes, Haumole Olakau’atu and Spencer Leniu. Manly's Jake Trbojevic is also set to take over the captaincy from Tedesco, with Maguire's new-look side largely picked around NRL form in 2024.

Tedesco had an underwhelming year in 2023 (both for the Roosters and NSW), but has returned to his best in 2024 and can consider himself desperately unlucky to miss out. The Roosters skipper could not have done much more in his final Origin audition before the squad was named, starring in the Tri Colours' 44-16 demolition of the Raiders in Canberra.

And his omission raises questions about a leadership void in Maguire's Blues side, with experienced players Nathan Cleary, Cameron Murray and Tom Trbojevic all out injured as well. Tedesco's axing means the Blues will have four debutants in the starting side (Edwards, Suaalii, Lomax and McInnes) and not much experience to call on off the bench.

Dylan Edwards seals Origin selection in Penrith masterclass

On the flip side, Edwards is fully deserving of his spot and has been arguably the most consistent fullback in the competition for a number of years now. He won the 2022 Clive Churchill Medal as the best player in that year's grand final and has been an integral part of Penrith's three straight premiership victories.

Edwards was also outstanding for the Panthers in his final Origin audition as Penrith put the table-topping Sharks to the sword in a 42-0 flogging. Maguire watched the game from the stands as Edwards produced a massive display that included a whopping 250 run metres to go with one try, seven tackle busts, two line breaks and seven goals from eight attempts.

But it was one particular passage of play early in the second half that convinced Maguire that Edwards was his man for the Blues No.1 jersey. Sharks playmaker Daniel Atkinson attempted a 40/20 in the 44th minute that left Edwards scrambling from the middle of the field to try and save it from going into touch. Not only did he stop a certain 40/20, he then proceeded to scoop up the footy and beat a number of defenders, before helping his side march up the field a couple of plays later.

Michael Maguire hails Dylan Edwards after Blues selection

Maguire conceded that while it was a brutally hard call to axe Tedesco, that play all but sealed Edwards' ascension to the NSW side. “I have huge respect for all the players, my job is about making decisions for what I believe is going to take the team to success...” Maguire said on Monday. “And at this moment I believe, that with Dylan, and everything he’s done in the game... you know I was there at the game the other night...

“There was a ball kicked down the side of the field, and it could have been a 40/20, and he just sprinted down to the other side of the field. That effort he put in, and then from saving the 40/20, he takes the second carry, they then get down the other end of the field and put the opposition under the pump. That solidified my decision that this is where we’re going...

"I've got the utmost respect for Teddy - I'll hold what he said for me (after being informed of the Origin axing), but I'll understand why he'll go down as one of the greats of the game... It was a big decision and a great decision, Dylan has been playing at the highest level."

RELATED:

• Reece Walsh in massive warning to NSW amid eye-catching scenes

• James Tedesco axed as Latrell Mitchell and Api Koroisau snubbed

• Jake Trbojevic named NSW captain as Isaah Yeo decision baffles fans

Brian To'o and Lomax have been named as the Blues wingers, with Stephen Crichton and Suaalii getting the nod in the centres. Jarome Luai will partner Nicho Hynes in the halves, with Reece Robson winning the battle to be named at hooker ahead of Api Koroisau. Payne Haas and Trbojevic are the two front-rowers, with Maguire opting for Cameron McInnes at lock and Liam Martin and Angus Crichton in the second-row. That leaves Isaah Yeo, Haumole Olakau'atu, Spencer Leniu and Hudson Young to make up the bench, with Matt Burton, Luke Keary and Mitch Barnett also part of the extended squad.

NSW Blues team for State of Origin I:

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Brian To'o

3. Stephen Crichton

4. Joseph Suaalii

5. Zac Lomax

6. Jarome Luai

7. Nicho Hynes

8. Jake Trbojevic (c)

9. Reece Robson

10. Payne Haas

11. Liam Martin

12. Angus Crichton

13. Cameron McInnes

14. Isaah Yeo

15. Haumole Olakau'atu

16. Spencer Leniu

17. Hudson Young

Reserves: 18. Matt Burton 19. Luke Keary 20. Mitchell Barnett