Brad Fittler has warned prospective Blues candidates he will put a line through their name if their contract negotiations again threaten to disrupt this year's State of Origin series.

The majority of players used in last year's campaign were off contract and the constant speculation about their future proved to be an unnecessary distraction in the lead-up to, and during, the campaign. Eight Blues selected by predecessor Laurie Daley – Aaron Woods, James Tedesco, Josh Dugan, James Maloney, Jarryd Hayne, Mitchell Pearce and Jack Bird – are playing for different clubs in 2018. The future of two additional off-contract players, Nathan Peats and Blake Ferguson, were also off contract and the subject of constant scrutiny before they recommitted to their current sides. Former Blue Matt Moylan – 18th man in the opening match last year – also has a new home at Cronulla after a falling out at the foot of the mountains.

""If they want to be in the papers every day and making comments, there's a good chance they won't be playing Origin": NSW coach Brad Fittler. Credit:Josh Carroll

The scuttlebutt that surrounded Wests Tigers' "big four" of Tedesco, Woods, Mitchell Moses and Luke Brooks affected the quartet and those around them, while the constant speculation around Moylan and Maloney – who eventually swapped clubs – ensured they were constantly in the headlines.

Fittler warned he wouldn't consider NSW candidates who were playing out their contractual arrangements in public, believing they needed to be fully focused if the state was to prevail this year.