NSW have lost the last two State of Origin series. But that's all about to change because new coach Craig Bellamy is just the man to bring home the shield. Bellamy has kept his cards close to his chest when it comes to selecting the team. I'm not sure what he has in mind but, for what it's worth, these are the players I would select for the Blues.

FORWARDS

Jason Ryles: Still one of the top front-rowers in the game. He seems to get a bad rap for some ill-discipline at times but please have a good look at his match stats over the opening eight rounds of the competition. He's extremely mobile and can play long periods. He commands respect and naming him in this team would immediately get the attention of the Queensland forwards. We shouldn't go into this series without him.

Danny Buderus: Should be the first player picked.

Brett White: Got the baptism of fire in Origin last year and didn't it do him the world of good? By the end of the season he was dominating up front with the Melbourne Storm and was a big part of their premiership success. Hard and direct, just the way front-rowers used to play.

Ryan Hoffman: What a great back-row forward this bloke has become. During the course of this three-match series he will develop a nice combination with Braith Anasta on the left side of the field.

Willie Mason: When the big games are on, big Willie fires. He's proven this a couple of times this season and Origin football is right up his alley. It's time for him to make a real statement about himself. He's been good until now, but I see this series as the one that really makes Willie Mason.

Greg Bird: He's not a natural five-eighth even though he's handled the role adequately at club and Test levels. He's more of a running, stepping, hard-to-tackle player who can produce a try from close range when needed. Don't burden him with ball-playing responsibilities. He's a dangerous ball-runner.

BACKS

Brett Finch: The street-corner tip is that influential people have spoken and this bloke won't make the final cut. I hope that's wrong. Brett (pictured) gets my nod as halfback simply on the basis of his experience and super-competitive nature. He has played grand finals and Origins. A couple of times this season he has singlehandedly lifted his Parramatta team out of the mire to produce some remarkable comeback wins. His performance for Country was sound and he deserves the chance to guide NSW.

Braith Anasta: Braith is a totally different player now to what he was a couple of years ago. His ball-playing has improved out of sight and with it, his self confidence. He looks more in control than ever these days. When the game is on the line, he wants the ball in his hands.

Mark Gasnier: No argument. I hope he stays injury-free for the whole series. He's a matchwinner.

Matt Cooper: I have a lot of confidence in this man even though I concede his club football is very inconsistent. On his night he defends better than any centre in the game and he won't allow Justin Hodges to get over the top of him. Not too many centres in the game can give that guarantee.

Jarryd Hayne: Hayne's club form has been very average but his effort for City last weekend was first-class. He totally dominated his opposite number and that performance cannot be ignored. Big, strong and fast, he's perfect for Origin football and his battle with Queensland's Israel Folau will be a real feature of the series.

Amos Roberts: Can score tries and save them. He reads defence well and would make a perfect partner for Mark Gasnier on the right side of the field. Gasnier is not easy to defend with, and many wingers playing outside him are left stranded when he makes quick decisions. Roberts will protect him. Roberts is also a sound goal-kicker and I can't see too many of those in this squad. For that reason, he's a must selection.

Brett Stewart: Brett deserves his spot. His try-scoring efforts for the Sea Eagles have been extraordinary. He also likes to get his jersey dirty. He doesn't just sit back and wait for the pretty runs. He comes in the middle and works for the team when they're under pressure. That's a great quality in a fullback and very important in these kinds of high-pressure games.

BENCH

Brent Kite: I have always liked Kite's athleticism and endurance. He's the perfect bench player for Origin because he can play in the front and back row equally well. If there are injuries, he can also last the distance.

Anthony Tupou: Anthony has really blossomed under the coaching of Brad Fittler at the Roosters. Just two seasons ago he was still regarded as an interchange front-rower who could only be used in short bursts. Under Fittler, he has transformed into an 80-minute player and one of the most dangerous attacking back-rowers in the game. He's a potential matchwinner.

Paul Gallen: Paul's a rough-and-tumble type. He's not the most gifted player by any stretch of the imagination, but he does everything at a hundred miles an hour and he's difficult to handle for the opposition. He can also get the one-armed offload away and this is the type of play that could produce an important try in a tight game.

Kurt Gidley: If Danny Buderus is the first player chosen for NSW, then Kurt Gidley (pictured) is the second. I guess that sounds funny when I've picked him on the bench, but I regard this interchange position as one of the most important in the team for Origin matches. He can cover any position in an emergency. More importantly, he's a great attacking weapon and can form a big part of coach Bellamy's game plan on the night. This kid is a super footballer.