THE Blues will struggle to fit a number of in form back-rowers into their team for Origin I and should consider Wade Graham in the No.6 jersey.

So says NSW legend Nathan Hindmarsh who would rather have a tried and tested Origin player to partner James Maloney than an unknown even if he is out of position.

“Maloney I think needs to be picked on his current form,” Hindmarsh told Fox Sports.

“Maloney has been great since Cleary has been injured.

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“Pearce is injured so he’s definitely out now so it’s another bit of a headache for Freddy (Brad Fittler).

“For a smoky I would pick Wade Graham if he’s not in the back row.

“I think he can play well at six.”

Hindmarsh also shared his thoughts on the make-up of the Blues pack.

Back row is another contentious position after Tariq Sims starred on Anzac Day for the Dragons joining a number of his teammates who’s form warrants an opportunity.

“(Tyson) Frizell will be there and Sims is pushing a hard case and Jack de Belin has been very consistent so there are some headaches for the coach.

“Boyd Cordner will be in the side. He is the captain of the NSW team.

“He may not be playing outstanding footy at the moment but he likes playing big games and Origin is a big game.”

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Incumbent props David Klemmer and Aaron Woods have been down on form as the Bulldogs’ pack have struggled to set a platform for their backs early in the year.

“Klemmer and Woods have been there before but are they showing enough form and do we pick on form,” Hindmarsh questioned.

“I like Paul Vaughan from the Dragons I think he has been a standout.

“Reagan Campbell-Gillard deserves a start so I’d like to see some fresh faces in the side.”

Wade Graham in action for the Blues last season. Source: Getty Images

Hooker is also a tough decision for the selectors with no clear favourite having emerged in the opening two months of the season.

“The hooker is a tricky one,” Hindmarsh acknowledged.

“A lot of people like Koroisau’s chances from Manly and rightly so he is very explosive out of dummy half.

“Nathan Peats if he is fit and well and Cameron McInnes from the Dragons are all in consideration but it’s a hard one and it’s a very important position.”

Game I of the 2018 Origin series kicks off at the MCG on June 6.

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