The NSW under-18s State of Origin side will take on their Queensland counterparts this evening at Suncorp Stadium, in what will be a curtain-raiser for the main game.
Led by captain, Cameron Murray, there is unlimited potential, skill and explosive attributes within the walls of the Blues, and True Blue legends; Brad Fittler, Matt King and Paul Sironen have been on hand all week to prepare them for tonight’s clash.
Ryan Papenhuyzen starts at fullback for the Blues, and wingers Isaac Lumelume and Zac Lomax make an imposing back three when carrying the ball back to get the set of six on an immediate front foot.
Tui Afualo and Nick Cotric are an incredible strong centre pairing, while the established and existing combinations of Penrith halves, Dean Blore and Sean O’Sullivan, will be an advantage for NSW.
Jai Whitbread will represent the Blues in the front-row, despite the fact he lives in Queensland and plays for the Broncos, while Payne Hass is in the same boat from the Gold Coast.
Reece Robson will start at hooker, with Tom Starling coming off the bench, and it will be interesting to see how Fittler rotates these players throughout the match.
It’s an extremely solid, skilful and powerful back-row, made up of Murray, Samuel Radovu, and Brodie Jones, while the entire bench will provide a massive impact.
The NSW u-16s defeated Queensland three weeks ago, and the older boys will be looking to make it two from two for 2016.
