Next to Jump

State of Origin Predicted Teams

15/05/2023|SB Staff|NRL Expert Predictions & Tips

Considered the pinnacle of rugby league, State of Origin is one of, if not the biggest, rivalry in Australian sport. It’s state vs state, mate vs mate, QLD vs NSW. But just who will make up the NSW Origin team and the QLD Origin team? Our predicted Origin teams for the 2023 State of Origin are below.   <h2>Predicted NSW Origin Team</h2>   1. James Tedesco © He’s been far from his best in 2023, but as one of NSW’s most consistent performers and the captain of the side, James Tedesco will definitely be lining up at fullback come Game 1.   2. Brian To’o Still one of the competition’s leading metre-eating wingers and an incumbent from last year’s series, we expect Brian To’o to retain his place on the wing.   3. Tom Trbojevic The man known as Turbo has been a little off the pace so far this season as he battles a number of minor niggling injuries. Regardless, he’s still turning out for Manly, and while he is fit enough to play, you can bet Brad Fittler will be picking him.   4. Latrell Mitchell In imperious form for the high-flying Rabbitohs, Latrell Mitchell is a shoo-in at centre. Is there a better big-game player than Trell Mit? At the moment, probably not.   5. Campbell Graham Another Bunny hopping along nicely, Campbell Graham has been in career-best form for South Sydney this season. He has 11 tries from 10 games this season, has been in camp before as the 19th man and his large frame should suit the Origin arena perfectly.   6. Nicho Hynes The NSW five-eighth has undoubtedly been the most talked about position of either team leading up to this Origin series. Jarome Luai is the incumbent, but Nicho Hynes' form has become impossible to ignore. Arguably the best player in the competition at the moment and the reigning Dally M medalist, Brad Fittler has no choice but to select the Sharks standoff to make his State of Origin bow in Game 1.   7. Nathan Cleary It should shock absolutely no one to see Nathan Cleary claim the No.7 jersey for the Blues. The best halfback in the game, Cleary has led the Panthers to back-to-back premierships, as well as helping Australia win the World Cup at the end of last year.

8. Payne Haas Another certainty is Payne Haas. A human-wrecking ball, the Broncos prop is the most damaging forward in the game.   9. Damien Cook Relegated to the bench in last year’s series, we should see NSW stalwart Damien Cook reclaim his starting jersey for Game 1 in Adelaide.   10. Junior Paulo Size, stamina and silky skills all rolled into one. Junior Paulo is the perfect prop and should be starting come May 31st.

11. Cameron Murray Rabbitohs’ captain Cameron Murray is one of the NRL's hardest-working and most consistent performers. He normally lines up at lock in club land but is more than capable of playing on an edge as he has done in Origins gone by.   12. Haumole Olakau’atu After last year’s series defeat, Brad Fittler will no doubt be looking to blood some fresh faces. A prime candidate for an Origin debut in Game 1 is Manly man mountain Haumole Olakau’atu. His aggressive running game and aerial threat make him perfect for the Origin arena.   13. Isaah Yeo The Toyota Hilux of footy players. Isaah Yeo is ever reliable, hard-working and, no matter what, just keeps going. An absolute certainty for the Blues.   14. Api Koroisau Koroisau’s defection to the Tiger may have cost him his starting spot, but it’s well-documented how much of a fan Brad Fittler is of the diminutive rake. He has plenty of potential to wreak havoc off the bench when the big boys in the middle begin to tire.   15. Hudson Young The calls for Hudson Young to make his Origin debut are growing louder by the week. It’s not hard to see why, either. The 24-year-old continues to go from strength to strength for the Green Machine and could offer the Blues an edge off the bench.   16. Jake Trbojevic Currently injured and originally expected to be unavailable for Game 1, there are whispers Jurbo could be fit in time to line up for his beloved Blues. To say Fittler is a fan is an understatement, if he is declared fit, he’ll be there.   17. Angus Crichton Rounding out our predicted NSW’s origin team is Angus Crichton. He has successfully returned from a lengthy layoff due to mental health struggles, and it’s like he was never away.   18th man – Jarome Luai. Even if Nicho Hynes dethrones him, expect Jarome Luai to be on standby should anything happen to one of the Blues’ halves.   <h2>Predicted QLD Origin Team</h2>   1. Kalyn Ponga An incredibly contentious position at the moment due to Reece Walsh's form and incumbent Kalyn Ponga's struggles. Just which way will Billy Slater go? Loyalty or form? QLD’s loyalty is well documented, and Ponga is an Origin specialist, delivering every time he pulls on that Maroon’s jersey. If fit, Slater will pick him.   2. Selwyn Cobbo Fresh of scoring a hat-trick for the table-topping Broncos, Cobbo is hitting top form at the right time and should be in line for a starting berth on the wing.   3. Valentine Holmes If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. Holmes lines up at centre every year for QLD, and this year should be no different.   4. Dane Gagai See above. Gagai is simply different gravy when it comes to State of Origin.   5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow We are tipping the Hammer to win the race for the final QLD wing spot. There is no shortage of options for Billy Slater to choose from, with Corey Oates, Murray Taulagi, and Xavier Coates all circling. However, Tabuai-Fidow’s form for new boys, the Dolphins, has been unmatched this season.   6. Cameron Munster Usually, QLD’s best performer, Mad Dog Munster, isn’t going anywhere. He’ll be the QLD six for as long as he is playing in the NRL.   7. Daly Cherry-Evans © Another no-brainer. The ever-consistent DCE will be one of the first names on the team for Billy Slater. He should also again captain the side, as he has in previous years.   8. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui A natural leader, big Tino is made for the Origin arena. This was identified by Wayne Bennett back in 2020, and the Titan’s skipper has featured for the Sunshine State ever since. This year should be no different.   9. Ben Hunt QLD’s hero last season, scoring the series-sealing try which will go down in Origin folklore, Ben Hunt will definitely retain his starting spot at rake.

10. Josh Papali’i Father time has started to take its toll on Raiders’ big man Josh Papali’i, with a number of other forwards lining up to take his spot. A loyal servant for the Maroons, he should get first crack in the front row, but if he turns in a subpar performance, don’t be surprised to see him out of the team come Game 2.   11. Kurt Capewell Ultra-reliable, ultra-versatile Kurt Capewell has played a number of roles for QLD over the past few years. This time around, we’re expecting him to line up in his preferred position in the second row.   12. Felise Kaufusi Hitman Felise Kaufusi has been rattling bones all season long for the Dolphins, and QLD fans will be hoping for more of the same in Game 1.   13. Patrick Carrigan As the reigning Man of the Series and one of the standout performers for the table-topping Broncos this season, Carrigan is a lock at lock.

14. Harry Grant A certified game-breaker off the pine. QLD will once again turn to Grant to make a difference from the bench.     15. Christian Welch After missing the whole of last season with an ACL, Storm workhorse Christian Welch should find himself back in Billy Slater’s plans.   16. David Fifita Another man set to earn an Origin recall is Titan’s wrecking ball David Fifita. Back in form, the 115kg powerhouse will bring all kinds of x-factor off the bench. Tired NSW forwards, beware.   17. Reuben Cotter We’re tipping Reuben Cotter to round out QLD’s Origin team. The Cowboy’s man can play anywhere in the forward line, bringing energy and versatility to QLD’s forward rotation.   18th man – Reece Walsh On form, Reece Walsh should be starting at fullback for QLD, but that’s not how they operate. It has always been loyalty first north of the border, but Walsh should be on standby if anything happens to Ponga before Game 1.

JOINOnly takes3 minutes

DEPOSITIt's safe andsecure

BETGreat oddsand specials

Must be

Session: 0h 01m 43s - 07:09:12 AEDT

Safer Gambling Deposit Limits Terms & Conditions

BetStop - the National Self-Exclusion Register™ is a free service provided by the Australian Government that allows people to self-exclude from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers in a single process. Registering is quick and easy and can be done at www.betstop.gov.au.

While you are registered, Australian licensed online and phone wagering providers must not open a wagering account for you, allow you to place bets, or send you marketing material.

For South Australian residents, Sportsbet's gambling operations are governed by the South Australian Gambling Codes of Practice.

Licensed and regulated by the Northern Territory Racing and Wagering Commission.