Laurie Daley has responded to New South Wales’ Game II collapse with several significant selection changes, but whether those changes solve the Blues’ biggest problems remains to be seen. With a State of Origin shield on the line at Suncorp Stadium, every decision will come under the microscope.
Daley deserves credit for addressing some obvious issues. The recall of Haumole Olakau’atu was almost impossible to ignore after his outstanding club form, and many believed the Manly back-rower should never have been left out of the second Origin. Likewise, the return of Liam Martin adds the aggression, leadership and defensive intensity that was sorely missing once Queensland took control in Melbourne.
However, not every selection has been met with universal approval.
Mitchell Moses has retained the No. 6 jersey despite failing to make the impact many expected in Game II. While Daley has clearly backed the Parramatta playmaker’s experience, there will be plenty of Blues fans wondering whether Canberra sensation Ethan Strange had done enough this season to earn an opportunity in the biggest game of the year.
The inclusion of Jack Bostock is another fascinating call. Few question the Dolphins winger’s talent, but asking a rookie to make his Origin debut in a deciding match at Suncorp Stadium is one of the toughest introductions rugby league can offer. If he rises to the occasion, Daley will deserve enormous praise. If he struggles, the decision will inevitably be questioned.
There has also been plenty of debate surrounding the hooking role. Api Koroisau barely featured in Game II, yet rather than increasing his minutes, Daley has gone in a different direction by backing Reece Robson and Blayke Brailey. It’s a bold move that places considerable responsibility on two players who will be expected to match Queensland’s experienced middle rotation.
The biggest question, though, is whether these changes actually address the reason NSW lost in Melbourne.
The Blues didn’t lose simply because of the players they selected. They lost because they couldn’t wrestle momentum back once Queensland took control, their attack became predictable, and their leaders were unable to steady the side when the game started slipping away.
That places enormous pressure on Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses. Regardless of who lines up around them, NSW’s halves must control the tempo, build pressure and produce the big moments expected of elite playmakers. If they fail to do that again, criticism of Daley’s selections will quickly return.
Origin coaches are ultimately judged by the decisions they make before kick-off. Laurie Daley has backed his instincts and made several courageous calls ahead of the series decider. In a week’s time, those decisions will either be remembered as the moves that reclaimed the shield or the ones that left Blues fans wondering what might have been.
