Campese will start at five-eighth for NSW as it attempts to bring to an end Queensland's recent dominance, which has seen the northerners claim the past three series.

Blues selectors opted for Canberra Raiders star Campese instead of Newcastle's Jarrod Mullen or Penrith's Luke Lewis, a decision that shocked plenty, given Campese's chequered NRL form over the past month.

But Clyde believed it was the correct call and had no doubt the 24-year-old had the mettle to handle the increased pressure and expectation of the Origin cauldron.

''He has played well over the last couple of seasons and he deserves his chance,'' Clyde told The Canberra Times.

''He's practised all the skills thousands of times at training so he just can't forget to back himself.

''Those skills are instinctive and he has to back himself to come up with the important plays when NSW needs them ... I think he'll handle it on his head and I don't think anything is beyond Terry.''

Campese will be the only Raider playing in the opening game after Joel Monaghan (NSW) and David Shillington (Queensland) the only others in contention for a possible call-up were overlooked.

NSW coach Craig Bellamy named eight uncapped players in his squad on Monday night.

Clyde, who played 12 games for NSW between 1989 and 1994 and 178 matches for the Raiders, predicted Campese would be a major factor in Queensland coach Mal Meninga's game plan.

But he backed the Origin debutant to produce a match-winning performance at Melbourne's Docklands Stadium, despite the expected added attention from the Maroons forwards.

''Terry features in most team's planning for the Raiders and despite that he's been exceptional,'' Clyde said.

''Wearing the No6 is a big responsibility, particularly at that level,'' Clyde said.

More from Brad Clyde in today's Canberra Times