Penrith wait on huge Origin representation

Penrith could boast their biggest-ever State of Origin representation in a series with up to eight players in the conversation for selection.

NSW will announce their side for the series opener on Sunday night, before Queensland follow suit on Monday.

As many as eight Panthers players could realistically feature at some point in the series, beyond the club’s current record of six in 1989 and 2004.

The representative workload shapes as about the only thing likely to stop the unbeaten Panthers’ march in the NRL, not that coach Ivan Cleary is concerned.

“The more players we get (selected for Origin) we’ll be excited for those players,” Cleary said.

“It’s a bit of a feather in the cap for any club that develops their boys. And if they get to represent in those types of games it’s a good thing.

“Whatever happens, we’ll be happy.”

While NSW halfback Nathan Cleary and Queensland utility Kurt Capewell are almost Origin certainties, Panthers players loom in discussions for all contentious NSW positions.

NSW must decide whether to partner teammate Jarome Luai with Cleary in the halves, with the pair having lost just one game while coming together last June.

If Brad Fittler prefers Jack Wighton for the No.6 jersey ahead of Cody Walker and Luai, there is every chance Luai will find himself on the bench.

Stephen Crichton is likely to battle Latrell Mitchell for the left centre spot, with James Tedesco certain to be fullback and Tom Trbojevic at right centre.

Brian To’o is a chance to claim a wing spot, with his power and speed up against Daniel Tupou’s height to start the series.

The Blues’ biggest question meanwhile remains in the back row, where Angus Crichton, Victor Radley and Boyd Cordner have all been ruled out.

Newcastle recruit Tyson Frizell is almost certain to play on the right edge, while Cameron Murray will feature at either lock or on another edge after returning from injury for South Sydney.

Penrith’s Isaah Yeo featured last year and teammate Liam Martin shapes as a potential bolter, battling it out with Parramatta pair Ryan Matterson and Shaun Lane as well as the experienced Tariq Sims.

Meanwhile Damien Cook’s runs on the board are expected to see him remain at hooker, but Penrith’s Apisai Koroisau could still pressure for the spot later in the series.

Matt Burton has also been floated as a potential utility or 18th man option, with the Panthers’ half-turned-centre seen as a star of the future.

PREDICTED NSW TEAM FOR ORIGIN 1:

James Tedesco (capt), Daniel Tupou, Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic, Josh Addo-Carr, Jack Wighton, Nathan Cleary, Payne Haas, Damien Cook, Daniel Saifiti, Cameron Murray, Tyson Frizell, Isaah Yeo. Interchange: Jarome Luai, Junior Paulo, Jake Trbojevic, Liam Martin. 18th: Clint Gutherson.