Uncertainty largely revolves around the Blues backline. While Josh Morris and Michael Jennings are set to once again be the centre pairing, the rest of the NSW backline remains unsettled.

Fullback:

Probable: Josh Dugan

Possible: Matt Moylan, Brett Stewart.

Dugan has emerged as the front-runner to fill the No.1 jersey vacated by Jarryd Hayne. There is no doubt the St George Illawarra fullback will be start somewhere in the Blues backline after starring in the centres during the past series. Andrew Johns has called for Dugan to play in the halves. Moylan and Stewart are classy understudies should Dugan be shifted into another role.

Wingers:

Probable: Daniel Tupou, Will Hopoate, James McManus

Possible: Josh Mansour, Alex Johnston, Sione Mata'utia

With Brett Morris almost certain to miss at least the opening two games, there is a wing spot available. Tupou has struggled since his debut Origin series but his height may again work in his favour. Mansour was solid for the Kangaroos last year and should leapfrog incumbent McManus for a wing spot. Johnston could sneak his away into the Kangaroos side, which would be a good pre-Origin test.

Centres:

Probable: Michael Jennings, Josh Morris.

Possible: Dugan, Hopoate, Dylan Walker, Jack Wighton, James Roberts.

Barring injury, Jennings and Morris should be retained as the Blues first choice centre pairing. Morris has restricted Greg Inglis' Origin impact in recent years and will be called upon to do the same should Inglis again be picked at centre. Injury has lessened Walker's impact this season while Hopoate has had an indifferent start to the year at fullback. Blues coach Laurie Daley is a fan of Canberra's Jack Wighton, who was called into the Blues squad for experience last season.

Five-eighth:

Probable: Josh Reynolds.

Possible: James Maloney, Luke Keary.

The most contentious decision for Daley. Reynolds has had a terrible start to the year after missing a handful of games through injury. Keary is easily the form five-eighth but his diminutive nature and inexperience could count against him. Maloney has had patches of brilliance mixed in with indifferent form, and his defence continues to be a problem. Reynolds is expected to play for City against Maloney, which will be a genuine Origin showdown.

Halfback:

Probable: Trent Hodkinson

Possible: Mitchell Pearce

Injury to Adam Reynolds has left Hodkinson and Pearce again vying for the No.7 jersey. Hodkinson was the Blues hero last year, scoring the series winning try but he, like Canterbury teammate Josh Reynolds, has barley threatened the defensive line this year. Pearce has been the better performed player but question marks remain on his ability to lead the Blues to victory after so much personal Origin heartache. If it's form, Daley will pick Pearce but if he is prepared to back the incumbents, Hodkinson will get the nod.

Props:

Probable: Paul Gallen, Aaron Woods.

Possible: David Klemmer, James Tamou, Trent Merrin, Andrew Fifita.

The Blues have the option of picking a monster forward pack. Woods has progressed to become one of the games best prop forwards since last year's Origin series, while Tamou has battled for form this year. Klemmer is closing in on an Origin debut while Fifita's strong showing in recent weeks could see him recalled to the NSW side. Gallen could also shift back to the back row.

Hooker:

Probable: Robbie Farah.

Possible: Nathan Peats, Michael Ennis, Kurt Gidley.

Farah will be the Blues hooker. He has shown enough at the Origin arena now to stamp his authority as NSW's No.1 rake. The question remains, what would happen in Farah's absence? Peats hasn't recaptured his form of last season after an ongoing knee injury, which could see Daley lean on veterans Ennis and Gidley should the unthinkable happen to the Blues' vice-captain.

Back row.

Probable: Greg Bird, Anthony Watmough, Beau Scott, Ryan Hoffman, Luke Lewis.

Possible: Glenn Stewart, Josh Jackson, Boyd Cordner, Tony Williams, Wade Graham.

Plenty of back-row depth. Bird, Scott and Hoffman helped intimidate and bruise Queensland last season so they may be called upon to do the same. Lewis offers utility value off the bench but he and Watmough have not started the season well. The aging duo could be leapfrogged by younger players including Cordner and Jackson.