State of Origin 2025: The eight changes Laurie Daley must make to NSW Blues side

NSW coach Laurie Daley faces several tough selection calls ahead of State of Origin I. But, as DAVID RICCIO explains, Brian To’o must be one of eight changes to the victorious Blues team of last year.

Think coach Laurie Daley doesn’t need to tinker with the winning Origin side he has inherited? Think again.

The best combination would feature eight changes, including a massive bolter from the Roosters.

DAVID RICCIO reveals his NSW Blues Game I team.

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1. DYLAN EDWARDS

You either live on Dylan Edwards island, or in James Tedesco corner. Either way, the Blues can’t go wrong.

For me, I think back to Origin III last year when Edwards sent the Fox Lab loopy with his man of the match effort including 238 run-metres from 26 carries that produced nine tackle busts. He also has Penrith connections across the NSW side to work with.

2. MARK NAWAQANITAWASE

Granted, it’s a bold call to thrust the former Wallaby into the Origin arena after eight NRL games, but naming two wingers on the comeback trail from injury - in Brian To’o and Zac Lomax - is too great a risk for Laurie Daley. Born in Burwood, ‘Marky Mark” has been a force for the Roosters. Proven as a kick target under the high ball and carries with physicality with 21 tackles busts in six games. Nerves also won’t be a problem having represented at the Paris Olympics.

3. TOM TRBOJEVIC

Back in the Origin arena for the first time since game two, 2023. Seven of ‘Turbo’s’ 10 Origin appearances have been at centre. A genuine star with power, skill and height as a kick target for his halves, welcome back Tommy.

4. STEPHEN CRICHTON

The best centre in the game. The end.

5. ZAC LOMAX

Lomax is being chosen by extending more trust than you would your family doctor. The Eels star (broken foot) is aiming to play his first game in six weeks against the Knights next Friday night. So long as he pulls through okay, I’m rushing the gamebreaker straight into the Blues backline with his work rate, kick-chase and aerial ability making him the best winger in the game.

Will Zac Lomax and Mitchell Moses and be selected for Game I? Picture: Rohan Kelly

6. MITCH MOSES

Jarome Luai misses out to Moses, who boasts the elite running, kicking and passing game to unlock the Maroons. What we are also seeing with Moses is a more mature player, who is at the peak of his powers in controlling a game.

7. NATHAN CLEARY

The best halfback in the game. The end.

8. MITCHELL BARNETT

The Warriors captain flies under the radar for the New Zealand club, but his effort to lead the ‘Wahs’ pack without star forward and teammate James Fisher-Harris says it all. With an outstanding work rate, Barnett didn’t miss a tackle for the Blues in Origin III last year. Barnett takes Jake Trbocjevic’s jumper from last year.

Jake Trbojevic makes way for Mitchell Barnett in David Riccio’s team. Picture: Picture: Rohan Kelly

9. REECE ROBSON

A class footballer who has done nothing wrong to lose his NSW jersey despite pressure from Api Koroisau, Blayke Brailey and Damien Cook. Robson played in all three Origins for NSW last year and such was the belief in the Murwillumbah junior’s engine, Michael Maguire failed to pick a back-up dummy-half.

10. PAYNE HAAS

In the discussion for best prop in the game, Haas may not be in the best form of his career this season with the inconsistent Broncos, but he’s still dominant enough to be one of the first forward’s chosen by Daley.

11. LIAM MARTIN

All heart, all effort, Martin is a Blues fan favourite after his menacing 2024 series. Slightly more banged-up this year compared to previous seasons, the Panthers champion is of such a level as a footballer that he only needs to tell Daley he’s right and he’ll be chosen.

12. ANGUS CRICHTON

Crichton won the 2024 Wally Lewis Medal as the player of the series last year and although he hasn’t been as dominant compared to his lead-up form last year, the Roosters backrower is still producing 115-run metres each game and has more than 25 tackle busts.

13. ISAAH YEO

The best lock-forward and leader in the NRL, the Test captain is a certain selection for Daley.

Connor Watson covers positions across the park. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

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14. CONNOR WATSON

Watson is the ultimate number 14 with his ability to play almost every position in the backline, at hooker and lock, making him an irresistible selection.

15. HUDSON YOUNG

Could easily make the starting back row position, such has been his devastating form for the Raiders. From the bench, he can prove just as ruthless with his leg speed and elite competitiveness giving Daley genuine punch from the bench.

16. STEFANO UTOIKAMANU

Gets the nod ahead of Terrell May, who rival coaches have identified defensive flaws in his game, in regards to his movements around the ruck area, which can be exposed in the Origin arena. With the most tackle busts from any forward at the Storm, Utoikamanu has proven he’s a vastly improved prop from his only previous Origin appearance in game two, 2023.

17. SPENCER LENIU

The Blues wrecking-ball. Leniu will be chosen to cause chaos to the Maroons defensive line, which is exactly what he did so well in Origin III last year.

Originally published as State of Origin 2025: The eight changes Laurie Daley must make to NSW Blues side