Up to six NSW five-eighth contenders are set to battle it out for the No.6 jersey in the City-Country clash, with Blues coach Laurie Daley planning to rest players considered certain selections to ensure the match is a legitimate Origin trial.

Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce, Canterbury centre Josh Morris and Newcastle utility Kurt Gidley are likely to be spared from duty in the May 4 match at Dubbo as their positions are all but guaranteed, and injured Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah would also be in that position if he was fit.

Selection battle: Incumbent James Maloney is no certainty to start as the Blues No.6. Credit:Getty Images

However, the No.6 jersey is far from settled and City and Country may each have three players vying for the role in their squads, including the incumbent NSW five-eighth James Maloney.

The Roosters playmaker will start at five-eighth for Country and is expected to be partnered at the scrumbase by Newcastle's Jarrod Mullen or Cronulla's Todd Carney - although in-form Gold Coast halfback Albert Kelly is also under consideration to wear the No.7 jersey.