Curly Trbojevic’s Dilemma: Selectors Weigh Options as Five Props Compete to Fill the Void of Injured Blues Forward

While it’s often regarded as unwise to alter a winning combination, New South Wales may have no choice but to make adjustments to their triumphant State of Origin squad ahead of the second match.

Blues prop Mitchell Barnett suffered a knee injury while playing for the Warriors last Sunday, forcing state coach Laurie Daley to evaluate potential replacements before finalising his game two squad next week.

Here are five props potentially in contention to represent the Blues in Perth on June 18.

STEFANO UTOIKAMANU

The Melbourne forward was included in the extended squad for game one and appears to be the top candidate to step straight into the lineup.

“He’s well aware of the dynamics in the camp, so he stands a solid chance of being selected,” remarked Blues legend Paul Gallen on Nine’s Today show on Monday.

“I’m leaning towards big Stefano to get the call-up,” Gallen added.

Utoikamanu made his debut for the Blues in game two of the 2023 series but endured a tough outing as NSW was defeated 32-6 by Queensland that night.

Catch the 2025 State of Origin series streamed live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Since joining the Storm this season, the 25-year-old has averaged 103 run metres and broken 35 tackles in 11 matches, with a tackle efficiency rate of 97.2%.

JAKE TRBOJEVIC

The captain who led the Blues to victory in the 2024 series was rumoured to be on the chopping block ahead of game one selection.

That decision was removed from the selectors’ hands when Trbojevic suffered a concussion against the Cowboys, ruling him out for the Blues.

However, with Barnett now injured, this raises a dilemma for Daley and his team.

“There was some debate regarding his selection, so he could come back into the conversation,” said Gallen in reference to Trbojevic.

The 31-year-old is a seasoned Origin player and has consistently delivered for the Blues, although it’s fair to say he may not be among the elite props in the NRL any longer.

Trbojevic missed Manly’s round 13 match against the Broncos, leaving him with just Thursday’s game against Newcastle to make his case for inclusion.

TERRELL MAY

The rugby league community was taken aback when May was overlooked for the game one selection.

The Tigers star was arguably the most in-form prop in the NRL at that moment, yet Blues selectors opted not to include him in the squad.

While Daley suggested that May’s chance to wear the jersey isn’t completely gone, it appears he is currently behind others in the selection race.

A rather peculiar interaction on a live streaming platform leading up to selection likely didn’t assist his prospects.

Nonetheless, his statistics remain impressive.

This year with the Tigers, he averages 17.8 carries and 177 metres per game, playing between 70 and 80 minutes weekly.

There have been indications that his off-ball work rate and focus on minor details may have led Daley to look in other directions.

KEAON KOLOAMATANGI

The imposing Rabbitohs forward received high praise from his club teammate and former Queensland Origin player, Jai Arrow, following Sunday’s match.

Koloamatangi has played in one Origin match to date, which occurred during the dead rubber Blues win of 2023.

At that time, he played primarily as a backrower. Since then, South Sydney has used him both in the middle and on the edge.

Though he began the season starting in the second row, Koloamatangi has switched to the front row over the past three weeks.

This tactical adjustment by Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett could very well see him back in contention for the Blues squad.

NSW boasts a wealth of backrow talent, but Koloamatangi may just offer what Daley needs in the middle against the Maroons.

He consistently plays large minutes and is averaging 140 run metres per match this season.

JACOB SAIFITI

It’s difficult to envision him, or his brother Daniel from the Dolphins, breaking into the NSW side ahead of the players listed above.

However, Saifiti was mentioned as a potential Origin candidate by Blues legend and former coaching advisor Greg Alexander ahead of game one.

The Newcastle forward missed a month of play due to injury but has now participated in the last three matches for the Knights.

Given his club team’s struggles, it would be surprising to see Saifiti earn his place on the Origin roster this year.