Both players could have been confident of their chances at receiving Blues jumpers when the NRL's form playmaker Luke Keary was ruled out with concussion last Saturday.

However NSW coach Brad Fittler opted to stick with Nathan Cleary at halfback despite Penrith's horror start to the NRL season.

And debutant Cody Walker will partner him at the scrumbase after his stellar performances for South Sydney, who led the league before Friday's loss to Parramatta.

Reynolds would have been confident of his chances when Keary was knocked out of contention, immediately boosting fellow Rabbitoh Walker's shot at a jumper.

However the former Blues No.7, who also managed to injure his leg in his last start against the Tigers, didn't receive a phone call from Fittler.

Remaining in good spirits, Reynolds said there were no hard feelings over his omission and instead backed Cleary to do the job.

"They talk a lot of pressure and that, but he's got a good side around him. He'll probably come out and have a solid game," Reynolds said.

Reynolds also said Walker was deserving of his selection.

"He's worked really hard. He's playing some good footy and rewarded on form. He thoroughly deserves his spot and wish him all the best," he said.

Asked if Walker would be overawed by the occasion, Reynolds said: "I'm not too sure. He seems to be stepping up and delivering every game he plays here.

"He played pretty good in that indigenous game for his rep jersey. And it'd probably be no different (on Wednesday)."

Maloney also could have considered himself unlucky to miss out after steering the state to a 2-1 triumph last year alongside then-rookie Cleary.

But he was suspended from his final audition in a tough start to the year, all but ending his run of nine straight games in the Origin cauldron.

The veteran five-eighth said sticking with Cleary is the right option.

"It's the right call. He'll do a good job out there and I'm really excited to see NSW hopefully go up and get the win," Maloney said.

"Not being in camp, I'm not sure how they're going to run. But there'll obviously be a little bit more on him, a bit more required of him.

"But I'm sure he'll do the job. He won't let anyone down.

"I'll send him a text before the game, but he's a big boy. He knows what to do and he's got the right people in camp guiding him anyway."

The Blues broke from camp in Bondi and headed home to their families on Friday. They will enjoy Saturday off and then shift base to Homebush on Sunday.

Australian Associated Press