Youthful Changes in the NSW Blues Squad
Laurie Daley, the head coach of the NSW Blues, has indicated that there may be some youthful changes to his squad for the upcoming State of Origin series. This comes as he prepares to navigate the absence of experienced stars following a challenging weekend in the NRL.
In two weeks, Daley will unveil his first squad for the 2026 State of Origin series, with several contenders still vying for a spot in the initial game on May 27. While Daley is not lacking in talent, he has faced a series of unfortunate injury setbacks in key positions, which could create opportunities for young stars to make their debut.
Injury Setbacks and New Opportunities
Mark Nawaqanitawase’s Origin hopes have been delayed after he sustained a syndesmosis injury that requires surgery. His teammate Angus Crichton is also uncertain due to a knee injury. Additionally, Adam Doueihi, who was among the top contenders for an Origin call-up, dislocated his shoulder while scoring a try for the Wests Tigers on Sunday.
Both Doueihi and Nawaqanitawase were in contention for their first Origin appearance, with Nawaqanitawase considered a strong candidate for Zac Lomax’s vacant wing spot. Panthers’ surprise package Tom Jenkins has also been floated as a contender for the flank role, alongside his teammate Casey McLean, who is another option being considered despite primarily playing at centre.
Daley also mentioned an unconventional choice for the wing position.
“You’ve got the option of possibly picking Tolu Koula on the wing – he’s someone that is very versatile, plays centres, and is currently playing fullback for Manly,” Daley told Sky’s The Big Sports Breakfast radio show on Monday.
“Casey McLean has played wing for New Zealand before, and I’ve got a huge opinion of Casey and think he’s a wonderful player. He’s another one that we will look at. Tommy Jenkins has obviously been playing there, you know what you’re going to get with the Fox (Josh Addo-Carr), Brian To’o … we’ve got a lot of players to choose from.”
McLean is one of the many players now eligible to play Origin due to the eligibility criteria change at the start of the season. He has previously expressed his willingness to represent the Blues if given the opportunity.
Doueihi, who had been one of the standout performers in the NRL prior to round nine, was seen as a potential utility option for Daley’s bench before his injury. The coach confirmed that Doueihi had been on his radar.
“I feel sorry for Adam because a shoulder dislocation or even subluxation means you spend a couple of weeks on the sidelines,” Daley said.
“He’s a guy that could play a number of positions as a utility and you have got to carry someone like that on the interchange bench … he was right in the conversation. Unfortunately for him, he might not get that chance but you have to wait and see what the X-rays say.”
Fullback Selection Dilemma
Daley also faces a tough decision regarding the fullback position, with a close competition between his former NSW captain James Tedesco and incumbent star Dylan Edwards. Edwards has been named at fullback in every Origin game since his debut in 2024, while Tedesco held the jersey for seven consecutive seasons before that.
Tedesco, the reigning Dally M Medallist, is viewed by some as the superior ball player to Edwards, whose case relies on his club partnership with Nathan Cleary.
Daley hinted that he could consider selecting both fullbacks in the squad for game one, with one potentially occupying a bench spot.
“They’re both dead set fullbacks. I think they’re out-and-out fullbacks and I don’t think it would be fair,” he said.
“Teddy has just elevated himself again and Dylan, you know what you’ll get from Dylan. Both are in great form and are very important members of a footy team. Both would get the job done, so I’d be happy either way.
“There may be a possibility there that you could carry one on the bench. That will be one of our toughest decisions, which way we go there.”
The first game of the 2026 State of Origin series will take place at Accor Stadium on March 27 at 8:05pm AEST and will be broadcast live and free on Nine and 9Now.
