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 ...

Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns have made six changes to the side which reclaimed State of Origin bragging rights, with NSW’s own captain ... some pride after the Blues ground out a 14-4 win ...

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.