Tom Trbojevic has missed out on selection for the Origin opener.
The Sea Eagles star has made 10 appearances for NSW since his debut in 2018, but his fitness and recent injury run have cost him a spot on this occasion.
Trbojevic has had to deal with hamstring tightness and an MCL injury already this season, and while he is now back in action, Blues coach Laurie Daley is not taking any chances.
Daley explained that he wants the 2021 Dally M Medal winner to have a consistent spell on the field – to build both his fitness and confidence – before reconsidering him for selection.
MORE: State of Origin confirmed team lists
"I think everyone agrees that Tom, if he's fit ... is one of the best players in the game. So that was a tough decision," he said.
"But we're comfortable with everyone we've selected in the outside backs.
"Tom needs to go back and obviously play good football and be confident. And I've got no doubt that [he] will be back in this arena at some point."
MORE: Daley explains May snub
Trbojevic was considered an option either in the centres or on the wing for NSW.
However, Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton have been given the nod in the centres, flanked by Zac Lomax and Brian To'o on either wing.
Lomax and To'o have both recently come back from injuries, but Daley is confident they are ready to perform.
"We just felt that going into Queensland [for] Game 1, Latrell and [Crichton] have been outstanding," he added.
"And the two wingers (Lomax and To'o), while they've only had one game back, we just felt at this particular point in time that that was the best option to go with."