Hynes named, stars snubbed in Blues game I Origin squad

Jarred Cross Published May 27, 2024 at 8.30am (AWST)

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Nicho Hynes has been named at halfback among a list of changes in Michael Maguire's NSW Blues squad for Origin I named on Sunday. (Image: AAP)

Nicho Hynes has earned a starting spot at halfback in incoming NSW Origin coach Michael Maguire's Blues side for game one next Wednesday amongst a major shake-up of personnel following last year's series defeat to Queensland.

Maguire named six debutants to face the Maroons on Sunday night, with Hynes set to play just his second Origin game after an unsuccessful cameo in the centre of 2023's opener in Adelaide.

It comes despite an injury cloud hanging over the 27-year-old.

Hynes is understood to have undergone scans for a calf concern after missing the bulk of Cronulla's shock 42-nil drubbing from Penrith at home in NRL Indigenous Round.

The Sharks playmaker had enjoyed a strong start to the year which presented him as a potential pick for the no.7 jumper as the Blues look to snap the Maroons' consecutive run of series wins.

Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai has been recalled at no.6, pushing Souths half Cody Walker out of the side despite a starting role in NSW's sole win in game three last year and his first chance in the Origin area since 2020.

Amid Souths' poor disastrous start to their campaign - they snapped a six match losing streak with a 42-26 win over Parramatta at the weekend, Latrell Mitchell was also looked past for a return after sitting out last year's series.

Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has also missed out on re-selection after scoring on return following a period going unfavoured by previous coach Brad Fittler from 2022, with Newcastle centre Bradman Best also unable to add to his tally after scoring twice on debut with a hamstring injury suffered earlier this month.

Cronulla are understood to have rushed forward the look at Hynes' calf with the Blues squad announcement circling following the poorly timed interruption to his season against Penrith.

*Hynes' Blues debut and series was limited to 10 minutes off the bench at centre and a forgettable missed tackle in Queensland's victory in game I at Adelaide Oval. (Image: AAP)*

The halfback failed to return to the park after exiting the field for HIA tests in the first half, with Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon assuring the decision to end his night was made related to a recurring calf concern.

"With the 15 minute time off cooldown (the calf) tightened up," Fiztgibbon said.

Hynes had already missed a recent week with the injury.

Fitzgibbon said even if he were to come up okay, he would face a battle to be 100 per cent fit for Origin on May 8.

"Even if he got through he's still gonna have to be modified for it," the Sharks coach said.

"I don't know the severity of it. But it's not like it's completely gone or anything like that."

Long-time NSW captain James Tedesco headlines changes, scrapped for Penrith no.1 Dylan Edwards at fullback.

FULL NSW NAMED SQUAD

Coach - Michael Maguire

1.Dylan Edwards (Panthers)

2. Brian To'o (Panthers)

3. Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs)

4. Joseph Suaali'i (Roosters)