Laurie Daley has likely already lost this State of Origin series, failing to do enough with the New South Wales lineup between Games One and Two to give the team a chance — but there’s a outside chance he can pull off a decider miracle at Suncorp Stadium. These are the changes he must make.
The already under-fire Blues coach can only prove that he’s not out of his depth by staging a masterclass in selection for the do-or-die game on July 8.
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To start, red-hot Origin rookie Ethan Strange must return to the halves to have a chance to save the series. To do that, I would drop Nathan Cleary and have Mitchell Moses (should he be healthy) leading the team at number seven. Been there, done that for Moses at Suncorp, so he deserves another shot at northern glory — and he outplayed Cleary in Melbourne.
Next, Cameron Murray must be switched into a starting lock role, with the expectation that he will play 70 to 80 minutes. He was out on the field for just 43 minutes in Game Two, nearly playing second fiddle to a frankly woeful Victor Radley. That must be fixed.
Staying around the middle of the park, it’s time to give Api Koroisau the No.9. Reece Robson struggled, and it hurt us loads after half-time.
And rounding out the pack, there’s a whole host of changes that need to be made. Radley, Mitch Barnett, and Dylan Lucas can all go, while Isaah Yeo will be dropped to the bench. Captain’s armband to Murray.
In: Haumole Olakau’atu, back in and starting, as well as Jackson Ford, Terell May, and Keaon Koloamatangi. Boggles the mind they were left out.
Hopefully Liam Martin is also fit by early July, because he’d slot onto the bench as a second row option perfectly. Has the mongrel that was missing from players like Barnett and Lucas; needed for the decider.
Then for the outside backs. James Tedesco back out for Dylan Ewards, though this is largely so that there’s some safety at the back while Strange and Moses are on the attack. Brian To’o stays, though that’s also mostly because these changes mean he won’t get caught in the air again.
For the ins: Tom Trbojevic on the other wing, and Bradman Best and Latrell Mitchell in the centres. Studs, all three, and three that Queenslanders fear.
For those being, Toluta’u Koula did nothing wrong and he absolutely could be playing over Turbo or To’o, but Kotoni Staggs has had his time in Origin and it’s not impressed. Nor Stephen Crichton, who some may suggest return, and Mark Nawaqanitawase was too poor defensively.
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To wrap it up, if I’m coaching, this is the squad I take to Brisbane.
- Dylan Edwards
- Ethan Strange
- Mitchell Moses
- Payne Haas
- Apisai Koroisau
- Adin Fonua-Blake
- Hudson Young
- Haumole Olakau’atu
- Cameron Murray
- Reece Robson
- Liam Martin
- Jackson Ford
- Terell May
- Keaon Koloamatangi
- Jack Bostock
- Nathan Cleary
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I will say that I have absolutely no expectations that Daley will make most of these changes, but I also expect he’ll be sacked next month. Hopefully whoever comes next doesn’t pick NSW teams like him.
This year’s Origin decider will be played on July 8 at Suncorp Stadium.
