Best XIII to never play State of Origin

The former Bulldogs, Broncos and Sharks livewire was one of the best fullbacks of the last decade - but was stuck behind some living legends for a QLD jumper.

With Billy Slater, Darius Boyd and Greg Inglis all in front of him for a spot in the Maroons 17 during his prime, Barba was never selected.

With 99 tries in 168 NRL games, a Dally M Medal and a premiership, Barba had a tremendous career before being deregistered by the NRL after the Sharks win in 2016. 

Honourable mentions:

Luke Patten

An easy pick for this side, the Dragons legend was very hard done by to never represent New South Wales.

Scoring 121 tries in 142 first grade games in Australia, the Tingha native is regarded as one of the best wingers of the modern era.

Despite never playing Origin, he earned three caps for the Kangaroos in 2001 and is the only player to top the tryscoring charts in three consecutive seasons (1999-2001).

Honourable mention:

Luke Burt

The heart and soul of the Canberra Raiders, the goal-kicking centre can consider himself pretty unlucky to never don a Blues jersey.

Currently sitting in 7th spot in the all-time point-scoring charts, Croker has emassed over 250 games and counting since debuting in 2009.

At just 29 the dream isn't over just yet - but with so many younger players like Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic in the frame, the Raiders skipper may have missed the boat. 

Honourable mention:

Sione Mata'utia

It's somewhat surprising he never played Origin considering he has 6 Tests to his name for Australia and has proven himself to be very versatile throughout his career.

Lawrence has played 240 NRL games for the Tigers since debuting in 2006, and was mainly a centre before switching to second-row a few years back.

In 2010-11 when the Tigers were rolling, there is a definite case to be made that he should have been given a crack at Origin level.

Honourable mention:

Ashley Graham

Another current inclusion, Feldt could still earn himself a QLD jumper before he hangs up the boots - but time isn't exactly on his side.

In 117 games for the Cowboys, the 28-year old has scored 75 tries - including the match-levelling one in the 2015 Grand Final.

The definition of a modern-day winger, Feldt is tall, athletic and knows how to find the tryline from any angle. 

The 2001 Dally M Medal winner was one of the most well-liked players in recent memory - but how did he never get a Blues jumper?

In 267 games, Campbell played in the halves and at fullback and was lightning quick with fantastit footwork.

There were some quality players in the NSW side at that time, but it still is strange he didn't get a game at any stage. 

Honourable mention:

Andrew Walker 

Another man to win a Dally M Medal but miss out on Origin honours, 'The Ox' was a quality halfback in the mid-late 2000s.

Orford played 235 NRL games for Melbourne, Manly and Canberra and claimed the highest individual honour in the game in 2008. 

In that same year, the halfback won the premiership with the Sea Eagles.

Honourable mention:

Craig Coleman

The son of current Bulldogs player Dean, Darren Britt was a hard-nosed prop for the same club during the 1990s.

Despite playing 9 Tests for the Kangaroos, he somehow never got a crack at Origin level - something that seems bizarre.

In 227 first grade games in Australia, Britt was a well-respected enforcer and carved out a very strong career.

Honourable mention:

Luke Douglas

The heart and soul of the Roosters, Friend tops the list for QLD hookers to miss out on selection because of one man - Cameron Smith.

For years, the Storm legend dominated at Origin level and was never going to lose the No.9 jumper until he hung up the boots on his rep career.

Friend edges out a strong list of other Maroons-eligible hookers to never take the field on the famous arena. 

Honourable mentions:

Aaron Payne

James Segeyaro

Jake Granville

Ryan Hinchcliffe

The former Panthers and Broncos hard man featured once for Australia, but never for NSW.

A premiership winner in 2003, Clinton was a really strong player and never took a backwards step.

Another one who can consider himself unlucky not to wear a Blues jumper.

Honourable mention:

Shaun Fensom

The recently-retired Rabbitohs legend is the perhaps the person most hard done by in this side.

He came ridiculously close to earning a jumper in 2013, but was edged out for a bench utility spot by Josh Reynolds.

Sutton played 337 NRL games for Souths in a wide variety of positions, and captained the side to the 2014 premiership. 

Honourable mention:

Mitchell Aubusson

The late Dragons and Cronulla forward was a quality player during his time playing the game.

A hard-working second-rower, Thompson played for NSW City five times but never earned a call-up to Origin during his 239-game career.

He sadly passed away in August 2018, aged 40. 

Honourable mention:

Richard Villasanti

This one is another strange one, as during his prime Maitua was one of the most talented forwards in recent memory.

The former Bulldogs star played one Test for Australia in 2006, and was a part of the 2004 premiership-winning side with the club. 

If it wasn't for some off-field issues, Maitua surely would have donned the Blues jersey multiple times. 

Honourable mention:

Alan Tongue