Andrew Johns' Surprising Next NSW Fullback Choice

NRL icon Andrew Johns has pointed out that a number of players may be facing their final opportunity in sky blue if they fail to clinch the State of Origin shield in the upcoming decider in Brisbane.

The series has proven to be difficult for the Blues, and a spectacular play by James Tedesco in Game 1 ensured that Wednesday's match wouldn't be meaningless, considering the Queensland Maroons have outperformed them in the previous two encounters.

Despite the challenges, the Blues managed to secure a win, which is vital, but now they are tasked with the daunting journey to Suncorp Stadium, where several players may be wearing the Blues jersey for the final time.

Among those facing intense scrutiny, Johns hinted at a daring choice for a future fullback should NSW find themselves in a bind.

"Definitely," Johns replied on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour when questioned about the pressure on certain stars.

"Number one will probably be fullback - Teddy [James Tedesco] is 33 and his replacement if he wasn't there is Dylan Edwards, who is in his thirties as well, and we all know that players like Kaeo Weekes are the next generation.

"Ethan Strange, whether he goes in because Mitch Moses is past 30. A lot of talk that Ethan should be starting here ... he was [close to] man of the match in game one.

"Nathan [Cleary] is what, 29 now? In two or three years' time, we all know the next one to come in is gonna be Izzy [Isaiya] Katoa. For whatever reason, if it doesn't work, it's gonna take a really brave call from the coach to really change the spine."

Strange's dazzling debut in Game 1 offered Blues supporters a tantalizing look at what their future five-eighth might bring to the rugby league field.