A New Era for State of Origin
State of Origin has long been a spectacle built on the intense rivalry between states, with players from opposing clubs often locked in bitter conflicts. However, this unique competition also brings together athletes who have to set aside their club rivalries for three crucial games. This year, the stage is set for an interesting dynamic as players from the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs find themselves united in the blue jersey of the New South Wales (NSW) team.
Cameron Murray and Victor Radley, two of the most prominent figures in this clash of loyalties, are now teammates in the Blues. Their journey from rivals to teammates is a testament to the evolving nature of the sport and the rules that govern it. For Radley, this marks his first appearance for the Blues, following a change in eligibility rules that allowed him to represent his home state after years of being restricted due to his club commitments.
Murray, who has been a consistent presence in the NSW side since 2019, shared his thoughts on the transition. “I’ve known ‘Rads’ for a long time since we were little kids,” he said. “I think I’ve only played one or two games with him in a rep jersey, and so most of our career we’ve been playing against each other and I’ve had a lot of respect for Victor and what he’s been able to achieve and the type of footy that he plays.”
Murray emphasized Radley’s suitability for the high-pressure environment of State of Origin. “I don’t think I’d be alone in saying that he’s built for an arena like this, and he’ll bring his best and he definitely deserves his shot. I’m really looking forward to running out alongside him.”
Key Players in the Lineup
Both Murray and Radley have been named on the bench for the series opener in Sydney, with their mobility and ball-playing skills making them valuable assets for the NSW team. Coach Laurie Daley has highlighted their importance given the fast-paced nature of the game in 2026.
When asked about the impact of the current rules on the upcoming game, Murray acknowledged the uncertainty. “It’ll probably be a bit of a guessing game because the competition has shown one thing, and Origin might show another,” he said. “I’m not sure if Origin is going to be similar to the regular NRL season or the same old Origin that we all know it can be.”
Despite the challenges, Murray remains optimistic. “You can overthink it a little bit if you try to think about those types of things … but we’re all just going to be trying to bring our best, and I think we’ve got the talent in the team that if we can all play to our strengths and if we can play to our best ability, we’ll be able to get the job done.”
Diverse Playing Styles
While Murray and Radley share a common goal, their playing styles differ significantly. Murray, a seasoned Roosters player, is known for his aggressive approach on the field. In contrast, Radley, the South Sydney skipper, brings a different kind of intensity. His experience in high-stakes matches has made him a key figure in the team.
Radley faced a tough moment in the 2024 series when he was sent off during a chaotic incident. However, Murray is confident that Radley will find the right balance in the upcoming games. “I channelled a bit of Victor last time I was out there, but I think Victor’s been picked to be Victor, so however you want to interpret that, that’s your job,” he said. “But Victor’s been around the game long enough now and I think his maturity levels are at an all-time high, and he’ll just go out there and be Victor.”
Teammates and Admiration
Blues halfback Nathan Cleary recently experienced the challenge of facing Radley in training. “It wasn’t much fun wrestling with him, I’ll tell you that,” he laughed. Experts believe that Radley’s toughness makes him a perfect fit for the Origin arena. “Victor’s another one that I’ve never been able to play alongside him, but I’ve always admired him from afar. Just his competitive nature, his tenacity, and his will to win has always impressed me. Now getting to take the field with him, I’m really looking forward to it. He’s not afraid of putting his body on the line and doing what’s best for the team, and that’s shown so far.”
Return to Form
For Murray, the return to the blue jersey is a significant milestone. An Achilles injury kept him out of the 2025 season, and he missed the game dearly. “You don’t really know how much you miss something until it’s gone,” he said. “I think that’s never more true for someone like me who who’s sat out of the game and watching it was always hard. And so it makes you miss everything – the good and the bad bits, the highs and the lows.”
Murray emphasized the emotional aspect of the game. “It’s all part of it and it’s what makes rugby league such a great game and what we do so special. I missed it a lot, I’m grateful that I’m back in, and I’m just working hard to do my best and prove to everyone – but more so prove to myself – that I’m ready to be back in the Origin arena.”
