After their game one dominance, it seemed a formality that NSW would lift the Origin shield. What transpired was Laurie Daley and the Blues being out-coached and outclassed as they contrived to lose a series that they had no right to lose.
After surrendering a 1-0 series lead to hand Queensland the shield in front of their own fans, it’s time for some tough decisions at the NSW selection table. These are the six changes the Blues must make in 2026.
Billy Slater made big, brave and bombshell selection decisions. That and his tactical perfection in the decider hauled Queensland out of the fire and delivered the greatest comeback in Origin’s 45-year history.
Laurie Daley has declared he’s still the man to coach the Blues next year, with a couple of NSW stars quick to take the blame for their shock loss in the series decider.
The stage is set for the most-anticipated sporting event of the year as the State of Origin decider in Sydney officially sold out, with 83,000 fans set to pack into Accor Stadium to see who wins the series.
Josh Papalii has been anointed by the Maroons as “the bodyguard” who will strike fear into the Blues in the decider. It comes as a Maroons legend urges the veteran to leave a mark in his Origin farewell.
Payne Haas admits his childhood was “different” and that he was forced to grow up quickly. However, the Blues star believes it was the strict lessons from his youth that translate to his monstrous output on the field.
Only a handful of stars have been rested post-Origin so far this season – most due to big travels from Perth. But State of Origin 3 is a different beast.
Payne Haas says the last time he felt 100 per cent was before round 1 but is adamant the issue he’s managing won’t stop him performing for NSW in the Origin decider.
Eye spy the Maroons middle forward Origin future: Here’s 50 cracker rookies you simply must know, some certain to fortify Queensland’s campaigns this decade and beyond.
Laurie Daley is a champion bloke you just can’t get angry with. His great mate Dean Ritchie reveals the NSW’s coach’s chilled take on life and the country town that always keeps his feet on the ground.
Queensland legend Cooper Cronk has called for Billy Slater to pull a selection shake-up by throwing Pat Carrigan into the starting side for the Origin decider. See why he believes the change must happen.
Billy Slater is renowned for his attention to detail and for making bold selection calls. And after reviewing 160 minutes of Origin football, the Maroons coach had no choice but to pull the selection trigger for the decider.
Aaron Woods has cheekily poked fun at Billy Slater in another twist to their extraordinary State of Origin war of words.
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