Gallen Axes Eight Blues Changes

Paul Gallen’s Ideal NSW Blues Team for State of Origin

Paul Gallen, a legend of New South Wales rugby league, has shared his dream team for the opening game of the State of Origin series. Among the most challenging decisions he faced was leaving out incumbent fullback Dylan Edwards, who is locked in a fierce competition with James Tedesco for the No.1 jersey.

Tedesco, who won the Dally M Medal last season for the second time in his career, didn’t feature for the Blues as they lost the series 2-1. However, Gallen has chosen to back Tedesco for the first game, citing his exceptional effort and dedication on the field.

“Dylan Edwards for me was the hardest one to leave out,” Gallen said. “Whoever they pick is gonna do a great job, but I just love Tedesco’s effort and I don’t feel there’s a player in the game that puts more effort in than him.”

Gallen considered placing Edwards on the wing to accommodate both players but ultimately decided against it due to the height and kicking threat provided by Daniel Tupou.

“I thought about having him on the wing, but the reason I didn’t have him was purely the height and the kicking threat that Tupou possesses,” he explained.

Edwards has been a key player for Penrith, helping them win four consecutive grand finals from 2021 to 2024. He has also played five times in the past two Origin series. Queensland great Cameron Smith expressed his preference for Edwards, highlighting the value of his work in the backfield.

“Really interesting – that’s gonna be the debatable one,” Smith said. “I’d have this bloke [Edwards] every day of the week. I know Teddy is in great form and has been over the past couple of seasons, but I really like Dylan Edwards. The work that he does in the back-field, he’s like an extra front-rower and he’s not a big body… those hard yards can be so valuable at this level.”

Phil Gould, the state’s greatest ever coach, remained somewhat coy on the fullback debate but seemed to give Edwards the slight edge. “It’s a pretty good side anywhere in the world at the moment that doesn’t have Dylan Edwards in it, I can tell you,” he said.

Gallen made several other significant selection calls for the Blues. He named hooker Blayke Brailey for his debut and pushed for Tolu Koula’s inclusion on the six-man bench. Rabbitohs duo Keaon Koloamatangi and Cameron Murray are both back in contention, while he also favored Sharks prop Addin Fonua-Blake for a debut in the middle.

Spencer Leniu and Stephen Crichton are both included in Gallen’s side for the series opener on May 27 in Sydney, despite their middling form at club level.