City Origin coach Brad Fittler has shocked many by saying he would pick Canterbury fullback Will Hopoate ahead of James Tedesco for the annual City/Country clash.

“I’d be picking Will before all of them based on this year and how strong he looks,” Fittler told AAP.

“I think James is fantastic and Matty’s [Moylan] playing well, but Will’s been there before and he’s playing as good as he’s ever played. I love the way he’s playing at the moment.”