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Posted: 2024-05-14 20:40:34

One thing Michael Maguire assured when he took over the role as New South Wales head coach was that past Origin performances would count for little when selecting the 2024 team. 

Not being hamstrung by the past is one of the great benefits of starting a new regime, but Maguire has instead been hamstrung by hamstrings. And calves. And knees. And ankles.

All told, it's been a horrid start to 2024 for State of Origin hopefuls and incumbents, making the teams for Game I on June 5 something of a mystery.

Billy Slater has a couple of headaches coming up before naming his team in two weeks' time, but that's nothing compared to the Blues' backline woes, with Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic the latest superstars struck down.

Fullback

NSW incumbent: James Tedesco

QLD incumbent: AJ Brimson

A composite image of Brisbane Broncos' Reece Walsh (left) grabbing his jersey and James Tedesco in a NSW Blues jersey.

James Tedesco (right) has reasserted himself as one of the game's best as Reece Walsh has struggled to start 2024.(Getty Images)

So much of the discussion to start the season seemed to be leaning towards nudging fullback and captain James Tedesco out of the NSW team in favour of Penrith custodian Dylan Edwards.

And while Edwards has done nothing but prove his brilliance through the first 10 rounds, Tedesco has risen along with his Roosters this year and all but ensured he will be safe.

On the Queensland side, it's looking a little spicy.

AJ Brimson is the incumbent after Reece Walsh missed the 2023 dead rubber through suspension.

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