"No, no, no that's not right. He's my pick," Daley said. "He's someone I think can add value to the team and someone I chose. He's a guy that can play real good football and I'm sure he'll show it when he gets his opportunity." Hand up: NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley says he put Walker ahead of Fulton. Credit:Getty Images While Cartwright's defensive lapses created doubt over his position, it was believed Bird's versatility to play every position bar front row would see him win the nod for the Blues utility position. Walker's selection came as a surprise to most, which in turn drew similar surprise from Daley. "I think the only reason it came as a surprise is because no one mentioned him," Daley said.

"For me, that was the surprise. People were thinking they had the [contenders] and he wasn't getting mentioned, that was the surprise. I think if you look at his football over the last 18 months you'll see a player who is hugely talented, was 18th man for us last year. We'd like to ease him into the system and get [him] a bit of a taste. His last two games I thought were really good, especially against Cronulla. Debutant: Dylan Walker. Credit:Matt King "He's always been on our radar as a bloke who can come in as a utility. It's not a surprise to me, it's a surprise to people because no one mentioned him for whatever reason. He's a guy that's still 21, played in big games and achieved a lot." Blues prop James Tamou wasn't at the team announcement on Monday morning, forced to join the team at night after spending some time in hospital following the win against the Broncos last Friday night. Tamou suffered a cut in the one-point victory, which later became infected, and was sent to hospital on antibiotics, with Andrew Fifita called into the squad on standby. Debutant Adam Reynolds will finally get his chance in a Blues jersey despite knocking on the door for the past few seasons.

Daley has been reluctant to throw the South Sydney halfback into the Origin arena but believes he now has the experience to thrive on the biggest stage. "I think a couple of years ago he was just in need of some big game footy," Daley said. "Now, I don't know if this is a strength or weakness of mine, but I'd rather pick players when I think they're ready. He'll partner James Maloney, who has played some really good footy for the Sharks this season, they're winning and they're sitting on top of the comp. He was here a couple of years ago and deserves another chance. "Adam's a guy who has played in big games, won a grand final, he's 25 years of age coming into his best footy. I think both he and James have proven under pressure that they can make good choices. They are both similar players in terms of they're not rushed. Hopefully they'll bring that calmness and composure to the team." Blues hooker Robbie Farah has been cleared to take his place in the team despite suffering a bout of vertigo after the heavy collision with Josh Reynolds that saw him sent to hospital for brain scans.