Cronulla halfback Brett Kimmorley was the most glaring omission when NSW's preliminary State of Origin rugby league squad was named today.

Kimmorley is the incumbent Australian Test halfback, but was considered the Blues' third-choice No.7, at best, behind Newcastle's Andrew Johns and the Bulldogs' Brent Sherwin.

NSW selectors included 12 newcomers in the 30-man squad, with North Queensland back rower Glenn Morrison, Bulldogs fullback Luke Patten and Newcastle prop Josh Perry the biggest surprises.

Top-of-the-table Canberra was rewarded for its unbeaten start to the season with the selection of utility Jason Croker and prop Luke Davico.