With history on the line, the Blues will also don a new uniform, pulling on jerseys from adidas as they enter a new era.

So, with the excitement at fever pitch, it seems to be the ideal time to forge ahead with a prediction of what New South Wales' side will be for the State of Origin opener. Selection decisions ...

Spencer Leniu’s fiery exchange with Queensland legend Johnathan Thurston has generated some long-overdue interest in the State of Origin series – and given Maroons fans a new NSW player to hate.

Crichton has represented his state nine times and is almost ... Johns talk him up recently as an Origin bolter. Xerri has been talked up by former NSW players like Matthew Johns.