Ricky Stuart has selected Michael Jennings in the New South Wales State of Origin side despite the centre being dropped by Penrith this week.

Manly's Jamie Buhrer and Tony Williams, Cronulla's Todd Carney and North Queensland's James Tamou will make debuts in Origin I in Melbourne on May 23.

Williams is in the 17 despite missing the last seven weeks, a timeframe which will stretch to nine weeks when he runs onto the field for the Blues at Docklands.

The selection of Jennings, who will line up for his fifth Origin game, will raise eyebrows after poor form for the Panthers this season.

Jennings had an unusual Origin preparation turning out for Windsor Wolves in the NSW Cup, where he at least put to bed lingering concerns over his injured shoulder.

"Maybe this is a kick along for Michael Jennings to play the football we all know he can play," Stuart said.

NSW Origin squad (likely starting line-up):

Player Club 1. Brett Stewart Manly Sea Eagles 2. Akuila Uate Newcastle Knights 3. Michael Jennings Penrith Panthers 4. Josh Morris Canterbury Bulldogs 5. Jarryd Hayne Parramatta Eels 6. Todd Carney Cronulla Sharks 7. Mitchell Pearce Sydney Roosters 8. James Tamou North Queensland 9. Robbie Farah Wests Tigers 10. Paul Gallen Cronulla Sharks 11. Luke Lewis Penrith Panthers 12. Glenn Stewart Manly Sea Eagles 13. Greg Bird Gold Coast Titans 14. Tony Williams Manly Sea Eagles 15. Ben Creagh St George Illawarra Dragons 16. Trent Merrin St George Illawarra Dragons 17. Jamie Buhrer Manly Sea Eagles



"Let's hope this can kick-start a chance for him to get into playing first grade for Penrith and doing what needs to be done at club level.

"My main concern was that he was physically able to play and today he assured me his shoulder is fit enough to play Origin."

Stuart has not confirmed the starting line-up yet but expects to do so after Penrith's Luke Lewis and Ben Creagh and Trent Merrin of the Dragons play on Monday night.

"Positional-wise I'll name (the side) on Tuesday," Stuart said.

"I just want to wait until tomorrow night to make sure the three players get through the game."

As expected, Cronulla's Carney was selected to start at five-eighth after guiding the Sharks to an upset win over the Storm on Sunday afternoon.

Stuart credits Blues skipper Paul Gallen with helping Carney be in a position to make himself wear the number six shirt for New South Wales.

"Paul Gallen's being terrific for Todd. Right from the start he's shown a lot of support for Todd," Stuart said.

"If I didn't pick Todd Carney you'd be asking why I didn't."

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Listen Duration: 4 minutes 26 seconds 4 m 26 s Interview: Jarryd Hayne Download 2 MB

Tigers hooker Robbie Farah won the battle for the number nine jersey ahead of Michael Ennis.

Brett Stewart was preferred to Anthony Minichiello and Josh Dugan in the full-back spot and will make his first Origin appearance in four years.

"They're the type of decisions you want at this level...that's healthy in regard to having that depth," Stuart added.

Eels full-back Jarryd Hayne, who like Jennings has been criticised for his attitude of late, is likely to play on the wing, Stuart said.

"I'm comfortable with what they've produced for me before and that gives me confidence ... they can handle the Origin arena.

"It's up to Jarryd and Michael to show why they have played Origin before."

Tariq Sims was tipped by some as a bolter for the squad but though Stuart feels he will play Origin in the future he said the Blues' back row depth left him little option but to leave him out.

"I don't think he's unlucky. He'll play Origin, he's a young football player with a huge career in front of him," Stuart said.

"I just think in his position he's got to look at what's in front of him and understand these boys have all performed at a senior level.

"Out of the whole squad you would look at the back row and see that is our strongest in depth."