Cronulla forward Wade Graham is likely to have the honour of captaining the City Origin side in what will be Ipswich-born Luke Keary's induction into the Blues fold.
Keith Galloway was poised to be given the City captaincy for the traditional NSW selection trial at Wagga Wagga next weekend, but a shoulder injury will sideline the Wests Tigers veteran. Sharks back-rower Graham will step into the breach as a reward for consistent form over a long period.
"Wade has been around for a few years and is our most experienced," said City coach Brad Fittler. "He's a good leader."
City will field a new-look halves pairing of Josh Reynolds and Keary as NSW selectors ponder their options. Injury and suspension have conspired against Reynolds, who is struggling to regain his best form in a disrupted season. Bulldogs halves partner Trent Hodkinson has openly admitted he too isn't playing up to expectations, but the incumbent Blues No.7 won't be required for City-Country duty. For Reynolds, it's a chance for some much-needed game time.
"It would have been a tough couple of weeks for him out at Canterbury, so hopefully we can refresh him," Fittler said.
Keary idolised Allan Langer growing up and was picked for the Queensland Junior Emerging Origin squad in 2013. But under the eligibility rules, he is considered a Blue because he represented the state at high school level.
"[NSW coach] Laurie Daley has had a big say in who he wants to look at and we're real keen to see how Luke Keary goes in a different sort of system," Fittler said.
A number of established players eligible for City - including Robbie Farah, Tony Williams, Ryan Hoffman and Anthony Watmough - are likely to be overlooked to give the next generation a chance at representative level. However, it won't mean automatic Origin selection for Watmough, who is under pressure to retain his place after struggling since shifting to Parramatta. Several young players, such as Titan James Roberts, Tiger Curtis Sironen and Rooster Kane Evans are being strongly considered for the City side.
Much will also depend on the make-up of the Kangaroos squad. Alex Johnston would have been a certain starter for City but is likely to be called up for the Test against the Kiwis. Billy Slater's scratching for the Storm on Saturday night will leave Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens to ponder whether it's worth risking him or opting for Greg Inglis at fullback. Vice-captain Paul Gallen's Test career may have come to a premature end due to a hip injury, which has clouded his availability for the opening Origin game in Sydney on May 27.
Country are likely to pick Sione Mata'utia in their side after the Newcastle youngster returned to first grade on Saturday after a stint in the NSW Cup.
