Wighton has been superb at five-eighth for Canberra throughout their run to fifth and although he and his Raiders suffered a disappointing loss to North Queensland at GIO Stadium that was short-lived for the 26-year-old, with Fittler's team announcement coming on Sunday evening.

Although his side went down 22-16 in front of 14,647 on Saturday Wighton was excellent again, booting a 40-20 and setting up Canberra's first try in his final push to be included in Fittler's side.

He's been named on the bench and looks a major strike weapon for the Blues as a utility considering he can quite capably cover virtually every position in the backline and wouldn't look out of place in the back-row either.

He'll make his debut alongside Raiders teammate Nick Cotric, South Sydney five-eighth Cody Walker and lock Cam Murray and Broncos prop Payne Hass, the selection capping off a remarkable turnaround after his well-publicised 10-game suspension for assault last year.

"I think everyone has wanted him to play for NSW for quite a while, he's just a very aggressive player," Fittler said of Wighton.

"The way he has fine-tuned his game playing five-eighth, he has been fantastic and getting better and better each week. He's aggressive.

"Whatever position he plays, you just know he's going to run hard, he's going to tackle hard, you're going to know if you get hit by him and you're going to know if you tackle him.

"They're really important things in State of Origin."

Walker beat Wighton in the race to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves but fellow debutant Cotric says his Canberra teammate will be just as dangerous coming off the bench.

"Jacko has stepped up over the past couple of years, especially this year. The five-eighth role is something different to him, but he has taken it with both hands," Cotric said.

"He deserves it, he's a great player, on and off the field he is a good bloke. He is a big body too, coming off the bench he would be deadly, he would be dangerous.

"He's always talking to you, always telling you where to go in defence. Off the footy, he works hard too, especially with that kick chase and that running game he has got, he is definitely a talented player."

Origin selection is the latest chapter in 20-year-old Cotric's meteoric rise in the top grade since making his debut just over two years ago.

Cronulla centre Josh Morris returns to the side after a three-year absence and will team up with Cotric on the right edge where they'll be asked to contain the likes of Kalyn Ponga and Cameron Munster.

Fittler dropped Orange-born Penrith five-eighth James Maloney, Panthers prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Brisbane's James Roberts because of form.