Andrew Johns Believes Laurie Daley May Make a Last-Minute Change for State of Origin
Andrew Johns, a legend of the game, believes that coach Laurie Daley could make a last-minute change ahead of Wednesday night’s State of Origin series opener. Daley faced mixed reactions when he announced his 20-man Blues squad this week, as several in-form players were left out to face the Maroons.
The composition of the NSW bench has also come under scrutiny, with only one genuine front-rower included alongside returning players like Cameron Murray, as well as debutants Victor Radley, Blayke Brailey, and Ethan Strange.
A Unique Approach to Team Selection
Despite the criticism, Johns expressed satisfaction with the team selections but hinted at a potential shake-up before the game kicks off. “I really like the team and I think he [Daley] has picked the team on the quicker ruck,” Johns said on Wide World Of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.
“I like a lightweight bench with Cam Murray, Victor and those guys. I’ve just got a feeling Jacob Saifiti may start him with Fonua-Blake and Barnett goes back to the bench. They can really make a statement early with two big boppers. They can really lay the platform and hopefully get a greater share of possession.”
Defensive Mindset is Key
Johns acknowledged that the Blues forward pack, as it stands, lacks the defensive mindset required to win Origin matches. However, he is confident in the impact of Murray, Radley, and others from the bench to strengthen the middle of the field.
“I think if you have a look at the starting pack, they’re very much an attack-based mentality,” the Immortal continued. “Fonua-Blake is a really attack-based player, Hudson Young puts a lot of energy into attack, Haumole same thing … those players are really attack-minded.”
“Early in Origin, you need a really defensive attitude. I think Cam and Victor will come on around the same time, they’ll play big minutes. Brailey, depending on how the game is going, he mightn’t be used. Laurie will have a conversation with him, but I could imagine him coming on with 10 to go in the first half or the 50th minute. I like Ethan Strange, he’s the X-factor … just throw him on, him and Hudson Young play really well together, so he’s the joker in the pack. I think there’s a clear plan and I really like what I see.”
Positive Outlook with Concerns
Johns has been more positive than other past Blues figures regarding the squad for game one, but he did reveal his main concern. “There’s a couple of worries in there,” he said. “Stephen Crichton’s injury, I’m a bit worried about that. His club form hasn’t been really strong, but that’s a by-product of the Dogs.”
Crichton missed the side’s first training session but is expected to play, with young gun Casey McLean placed on standby for a potential debut.
