Updated May 22, 2017 19:32:10

Photo: Nathan Peats is set to make his State of Origin bow for the Blues. (AAP: Dave Hunt)

Gold Coast Titans hooker Nathan Peats will make his State of Origin debut for the Blues after being named in NSW's squad in place of the injured Peter Wallace.

In five personnel changes made from last year's dead-rubber win over the Maroons, Peats joins fellow debutant Jake Trbojevic in the squad, with Brett Morris, Jarryd Hayne and Mitchell Pearce brought into the side.

Boyd Cordner has been appointed captain, taking over from Origin-retired Blues icon Paul Gallen.

"To tell you the truth I don't think I've [ever] dreamt of being captain. It's something that I'm very proud of," Cordner said.

"I just want to do the boys proud, do my family proud, and most of all do the state proud."

Penrith hooker Wallace arrived in Blues camp expecting to be named in the State of Origin opening squad for the first time since 2009, only to be ruled out for six weeks with a groin injury.

Morris and Hayne join up for a revamped NSW backline following Hayne's return to rugby league after his NFL and rugby sevens sojourn.

Centre Josh Dugan is a slight doubt after missing the last two rounds of NRL with a fractured cheekbone, and could be replaced by Jack Bird if he cannot prove his fitness.

Blues coach Laurie Daley backed debutant Trbojevic to shine, possibly off the bench, in a NSW side blessed with depth in the forwards.

"It's a really good team. There are some guys there that we really believe in and I'm sure they'll go in there and give it their best," Daley said.

"I think Jake [Trbojevic is] a classic example. He's bided his time, we got him in the system last year and gave him a little bit of a taste without actually playing him. I'm sure he'll be ready to go.

"All our big guys, [Aaron] Woods has been really good for us over the last couple of years, [David] Klemmer brings that aggression. All those blokes are deserving of a spot.

"But that's the tough job as a coach, is to make sure you get the right team.

"We're confident with the team we've picked, and we'll see how we go."

NSW squad:

1. James Tedesco
2. Blake Ferguson
3. Josh Dugan
4. Jarryd Hayne
5. Brett Morris
6. James Maloney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Aaron Woods
9. Nathan Peats
10. Andrew Fifita
11. Josh Jackson
12. Boyd Cordner (c)
13. Tyson Frizell
14. David Klemmer
15. Wade Graham
16. Jake Trbojevic
17. Jack Bird
    Extras: Jordan McLean, Jack De Belin, Matt Moylan

Topics: state-of-origin, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted May 22, 2017 18:41:15