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Inside Michael Maguire’s Blues spine meeting with James Tedesco, Nicho Hynes and Tom Trbojevic
In what is a first-look at who Blues coach Michael Maguire is considering for his crucial spine positions ahead of State of Origin I, the leading contenders met in secret.
David Riccio Exclusive
Sharks attacking weapons Nicho Hynes and Blayke Brailey have emerged as NSW State of Origin contenders following a secret playmakers meeting with Blues coach Michael Maguire.
In what is a first look at who Maguire is considering for his crucial spine positions ahead of State of Origin I, the new Blues coach gathered a collection of fullbacks, halves and hookers at the Blues HQ at Sydney Olympic Park on Tuesday night.
Both Hynes and Brailey were invited following the Sharks’ strong start to the season, proving also, that Maguire won’t be backing down from his declaration when taking the job that he’s willing to pick players on form only.
Hynes, after performing strongly in his two Test appearances for Australia last year, has made no secret of his dream to earn a starting halves jersey with the Blues and his strong start to the season with Cronulla has propelled his name forward.
Brailey has emerged as a bolter for the NSW No.9 jersey, a position that Maguire has depth in with incumbent Damien Cook, Wests Tigers talent Api Koroisau and rising Warriors star Wayde Egan.
Nicho Hynes was at the meeting. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
Despite his powerful start to the 2024 season, Brailey’s invitation comes as a surprise by the fact that he originally wasn’t included in Maguire’s 40-man extended Blues catch-up earlier this year.
However, his form led Maguire to invite the 25-year-old into the NSW inner-sanctum.
Boasting speed, a radar-like pass and astute kicking game, the Sharks 2023 Player of the Year has proven influential in Cronulla’s best wins this season, including their round one victory over the Warriors and their comeback win over the Raiders.
Also at the dinner were proven NSW spine members including Blues captain James Tedesco and Manly’s Tom Trbojevic.
Incumbent Blues five-eighth Mitchell Moses was also in attendance despite his ongoing recovery from a broken foot.
Moses is due back for the Eels in round 12 with Maguire to name his team for Origin I on June 5 in Sydney just 48-hours after Parramatta’s clash with the Rabbitohs.
Eels teammate Clint Gutherson, who was given three minutes of action from the interchange bench in Origin III, was also invited to the spine get-together.
Interestingly, the Rabbitohs spine contingent of Damien Cook, Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker were invited to the get-together.
However, the trio declined the offer due to the Rabbitohs current crisis of form that has them tied to the bottom of the NRL ladder.
Also absent due to time away as a result of Penrith’s bye were NSW halfback Nathan Cleary and Panthers teammates Jarome Luai and Dylan Edwards.
Koroisau was also invited, while Egan is expected to meet with Maguire when the Warriors next play in Sydney.
The Blues were able to save the series from a 3-0 clean sweep last year by winning the final match of the series 24-10 with the spine of Tedesco, Walker, Moses and Cook.
The most recent catch-up speaks to Maguire’s willingness to ensure the Blues leave no stone unturned in readiness for the series.
The players used the dinner to relax and mingle, while also floating possible game plan ideas to tackle the Maroons.
Maguire is on a mission to reclaim the shield for NSW by aligning belief and support from both the current and past players.
Outside of last Tuesday’s spine meeting, Maguire also organised for 40 Blues legends to gather last Wednesday.
Among the list of NSW greats to show their support for Maguire’s campaign were, Boyd Cordner, Mick Cronin, Steve Menzies, Luke Lewis, Craig Wing, Tim Brasher, Garry Jack and Nathan Hindmarsh.
In what is a first-look at who Blues coach Michael Maguire is considering for his crucial spine positions ahead of State of Origin I, the leading contenders met in secret.
David Riccio ExclusiveSharks attacking weapons Nicho Hynes and Blayke Brailey have emerged as NSW State of Origin contenders following a secret playmakers meeting with Blues coach Michael Maguire.
In what is a first look at who Maguire is considering for his crucial spine positions ahead of State of Origin I, the new Blues coach gathered a collection of fullbacks, halves and hookers at the Blues HQ at Sydney Olympic Park on Tuesday night.
Both Hynes and Brailey were invited following the Sharks’ strong start to the season, proving also, that Maguire won’t be backing down from his declaration when taking the job that he’s willing to pick players on form only.
Hynes, after performing strongly in his two Test appearances for Australia last year, has made no secret of his dream to earn a starting halves jersey with the Blues and his strong start to the season with Cronulla has propelled his name forward.
Brailey has emerged as a bolter for the NSW No.9 jersey, a position that Maguire has depth in with incumbent Damien Cook, Wests Tigers talent Api Koroisau and rising Warriors star Wayde Egan.
Nicho Hynes was at the meeting. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
Despite his powerful start to the 2024 season, Brailey’s invitation comes as a surprise by the fact that he originally wasn’t included in Maguire’s 40-man extended Blues catch-up earlier this year.
However, his form led Maguire to invite the 25-year-old into the NSW inner-sanctum.
Boasting speed, a radar-like pass and astute kicking game, the Sharks 2023 Player of the Year has proven influential in Cronulla’s best wins this season, including their round one victory over the Warriors and their comeback win over the Raiders.
Also at the dinner were proven NSW spine members including Blues captain James Tedesco and Manly’s Tom Trbojevic.
Incumbent Blues five-eighth Mitchell Moses was also in attendance despite his ongoing recovery from a broken foot.
Moses is due back for the Eels in round 12 with Maguire to name his team for Origin I on June 5 in Sydney just 48-hours after Parramatta’s clash with the Rabbitohs.
Eels teammate Clint Gutherson, who was given three minutes of action from the interchange bench in Origin III, was also invited to the spine get-together.
Interestingly, the Rabbitohs spine contingent of Damien Cook, Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker were invited to the get-together.
However, the trio declined the offer due to the Rabbitohs current crisis of form that has them tied to the bottom of the NRL ladder.
Also absent due to time away as a result of Penrith’s bye were NSW halfback Nathan Cleary and Panthers teammates Jarome Luai and Dylan Edwards.
Koroisau was also invited, while Egan is expected to meet with Maguire when the Warriors next play in Sydney.
The Blues were able to save the series from a 3-0 clean sweep last year by winning the final match of the series 24-10 with the spine of Tedesco, Walker, Moses and Cook.
The most recent catch-up speaks to Maguire’s willingness to ensure the Blues leave no stone unturned in readiness for the series.
The players used the dinner to relax and mingle, while also floating possible game plan ideas to tackle the Maroons.
Maguire is on a mission to reclaim the shield for NSW by aligning belief and support from both the current and past players.
Outside of last Tuesday’s spine meeting, Maguire also organised for 40 Blues legends to gather last Wednesday.
Among the list of NSW greats to show their support for Maguire’s campaign were, Boyd Cordner, Mick Cronin, Steve Menzies, Luke Lewis, Craig Wing, Tim Brasher, Garry Jack and Nathan Hindmarsh.
