The Sydney Roosters have today had three of their stars named in the NSW squad for the opening match of the 2013 State of Origin series.
Incumbent halfback Mitchell Pearce, who was the lone-Chook in last years Blues side, will be joined by two of the Bondi Clubs new recruits in Michael Jennings and James Maloney after they were named alongside the 24 year old by rookie coach Laurie Daley.
The Roosters vice-captain will bring up double digits in appearances for his state on June 5, after already featuring in 9 matches since his debut in the final game of the 2008 series as a replacement for the then injured Peter Wallace.
Like Pearce, Jennings is no stranger to the games biggest stage with 7 Blues appearances to his name since he first tasted Origin football in his debut in Game One of the 2009 series.
Maloney, however, is set to continue what has been a stellar season for the 26 year old after being named to make his NSW debut this afternoon alongside his Roosters halves-partner.
Leading the competition on points, with 98 after only 11 matches played so far this season, the former Storm and Warriors playmaker has certainly come into his own under the tutelage of Trent Robinson this year.
Maloney was preferred by Daley in the No.6 jersey he once owned, over former Rooster Todd Carney, with the duo showing enough in the opening half of the year to convince selectors that their NRL combination is the key to putting a halt to the Maroons dominance.
Maloney also looks set to be handed the goal-kicking duties, with his 85% success rate from his 48 attempts so far this season an added bonus on top of an already impressive bag of tricks.
The side will go into camp this week in preparation for the June 5 opener at ANZ Stadium and Roosters TV will be catching up with the boys from their Blues-bunker, so keep your eyes on Roosters.com.au for exclusive chats in the lead-up to the opener.
There isn't a better way to travel to and watch this year's opening State of Origin match than on our annual Sydney Roosters State of Origin Cruise. CLICK HERE for full details and to book your spot, before it sells out!
Incumbent halfback Mitchell Pearce, who was the lone-Chook in last years Blues side, will be joined by two of the Bondi Clubs new recruits in Michael Jennings and James Maloney after they were named alongside the 24 year old by rookie coach Laurie Daley.
The Roosters vice-captain will bring up double digits in appearances for his state on June 5, after already featuring in 9 matches since his debut in the final game of the 2008 series as a replacement for the then injured Peter Wallace.
Like Pearce, Jennings is no stranger to the games biggest stage with 7 Blues appearances to his name since he first tasted Origin football in his debut in Game One of the 2009 series.
Maloney, however, is set to continue what has been a stellar season for the 26 year old after being named to make his NSW debut this afternoon alongside his Roosters halves-partner.
Leading the competition on points, with 98 after only 11 matches played so far this season, the former Storm and Warriors playmaker has certainly come into his own under the tutelage of Trent Robinson this year.
Maloney was preferred by Daley in the No.6 jersey he once owned, over former Rooster Todd Carney, with the duo showing enough in the opening half of the year to convince selectors that their NRL combination is the key to putting a halt to the Maroons dominance.
Maloney also looks set to be handed the goal-kicking duties, with his 85% success rate from his 48 attempts so far this season an added bonus on top of an already impressive bag of tricks.
The side will go into camp this week in preparation for the June 5 opener at ANZ Stadium and Roosters TV will be catching up with the boys from their Blues-bunker, so keep your eyes on Roosters.com.au for exclusive chats in the lead-up to the opener.
There isn't a better way to travel to and watch this year's opening State of Origin match than on our annual Sydney Roosters State of Origin Cruise. CLICK HERE for full details and to book your spot, before it sells out!
