Personally, I'm of the opinion that NSW should stick with the incumbent.
Maloney is in superior form but I don't believe he's the type of player to stop Queensland and believe it'd be too much effort starting over at this level. He may fluke a good performance, but a good series? Can't see it happening and see him being more or less a liability.
Mullen is a darkhorse but still feel like it'd be in his best interest to focus on club and working on his general play.
Sutton is garnering a lot of outside support (notably from Sterlo & Souths fans) but I don't believe a combination of him and Pearce (or even Reynolds) offers enough at this level.
Todd Carney despite his poor performance in game 1 last year was quite solid for the rest of the series and showed he is a future player. I wouldn't pick him on current form and I don't think he is 100% fit. Maloney has been in fine form and both he and Pearce have been steering the Roosters around outstandingly.
Maloney for me. I though Carney was OK to solid last year but had a tendency to go missing at the big moments. I don't rate Sutton at all, too soon for Campo to be thrust into origin after his long injury, and Mullen is ok but I feel others are in better form. Its between Carney and Maloney, but Maloney just.
Todd Carney: Wouldn't pick on current form and I don't think he is 100% fit
James Maloney: Been in outstanding form and the partnership with Pearce would help
Jarrod Mullen: Great player on his day but has been to inconsistent and he has been out in the wilderness for a while
Terry Campese: Not a hope after an extended time on the sideline, haven't seen him since he came back
John Sutton: Good player but I wouldn't pick him
Maloney relies heavily on support and second phase play. It's great when you are playing with SBW for your club side, but Origin tends to be more conservative.