Overview
- Penrith coach Ivan Cleary publicly urged NSW to keep Dylan Edwards at fullback after the Panthers’ 30-18 win over Canberra, where Edwards ran 238 metres and broke eight tackles.
- Roosters captain James Tedesco remains a live option, with two tries, a try assist and 227 metres in the win over Gold Coast and strong praise from coach Trent Robinson.
- NSW coach Laurie Daley will pick a 20-man squad after Magic Round, with final selections to follow for Origin I on May 27.
- Ex-Blues captain Paul Gallen named a preferred lineup on TV that starts Tedesco over Edwards, and other greats such as Cameron Smith and Phil Gould leaned toward Edwards.
- Edwards took over the Blues No. 1 jersey during the 2024 series and helped secure the win, setting up a choice between the incumbent and the decorated veteran for a role that steers attack and organizes defense.