Next 19s: Origin’s Reserve Force

Key Players and Selections for the 2026 State of Origin Series

The 2026 State of Origin series has kicked off with the announcement of the teams for Game 1, sparking a range of reactions from fans and analysts alike. While some selections were straightforward, others have raised eyebrows due to the tough decisions made by coaches Billy Slater and Laurie Daley. Injuries, suspensions, and form have also played a role in shaping the final lineups, making this year’s team selection particularly intriguing.

NSW Blues Team

The New South Wales Blues have several clear choices in their squad, with some players making it into the 19 without much debate. Dylan Edwards, Jarome Luai, Isaiya Katoa, and a few overlooked forwards like Jackson Ford, Keaon Koloamatangi, Jacob Preston, and Terrell May all secured their spots easily.

Josh Addo-Carr was thought to have just missed out on the Blues’ 19, but he managed to claim a wing spot alongside the returning Jacob Kiraz. Jack Bostock and Reuben Garrick took the centre positions with minimal competition, while Thomas Jenkins, who has been performing well at the start of 2026, earned a bench spot.

Wayde Egan edged out Apisai Koroisau for the starting number nine role, though Koroisau still features in the side. Tallis Duncan joined Preston in the second-row, and Alex Twal started at lock. Lindsay Smith, Teig Wilton, and Nicho Hynes are the other names on the bench, with Angus Crichton being overlooked for a spot. There is also no room for regular Origin reserve Matt Burton.

Several young players, including Hamish Stewart (who is the 20th man) and Jesse Colquhoun, came close to making the forward pack, while Nick Meaney was also considered for a bench spot.

List of Selected Players:

Dylan Edwards (Penrith Panthers)
Josh Addo-Carr (Parramatta Eels)
Jack Bostock (The Dolphins)
Reuben Garrick (Manly Sea Eagles)
Jacob Kiraz (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers)
Isaiya Katoa (The Dolphins)
Jackson Ford (New Zealand Warriors)
Wayde Egan (New Zealand Warriors)
Keaon Koloamatangi (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Tallis Duncan (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Jacob Preston (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Alex Twal (Wests Tigers)
Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers)
Terrell May (Wests Tigers)
Lindsay Smith (Penrith Panthers)
Teig Wilton (Cronulla Sharks)
Nicho Hynes (Cronulla Sharks)
Thomas Jenkins (Penrith Panthers)
Hamish Stewart (St George Illawarra Dragons)

QLD Maroons Team

Like the Blues, the Queensland Maroons have several easy selections in their squad. Reece Walsh, surprisingly overlooked by Billy Slater, will start at fullback, while Jake Clifford and Jamal Fogarty are walk-up starters in the halves. Reed Mahoney also starts at hooker.

Tom Gilbert, Beau Fermor, Heilum Luki, and Corey Horsburgh won spots fairly simply in the pack, with Queensland not having amazing depth outside of that group. Phillip Sami was believed to be close to Billy Slater’s side and starts on the wing. North Queensland’s Tom Chester joins Jack Howarth in the centres, while Jaxon Purdue moves to the wing from his preferred centre role to accommodate.

Beyond the starting side, Cory Paix’s form is rewarded with a spot on the bench, while Lachlan Hubner and Thomas Mikaele, who has been tremendous for the Cowboys, are picked as middle forwards on the bench. Jaydn Su’A is the edge forward on the bench with few other options.

Moeaki Fotuaika was overlooked for a spot, and so too were the likes of Aram Hau and Ethan Bullemor, who have both been impressive. AJ Brimson and Jye Gray win the races for the backline spots on the bench, with the duo able to cover just about all of the back seven if needed between them. Dane Gagai is the reserve in jersey 20.

List of Selected Players: