NSW Coach Sticks to Plan Despite Calls for Change
NSW coach Laurie Daley has stood firm in his decision not to promote Cameron Murray to the starting line-up for Game 2 of the State of Origin series. This comes after significant pressure from fans and pundits, including former player Matty Johns, who has been vocal about the need to replace Blues captain Isaah Yeo with Murray on the field.
Murray is widely regarded as one of the most influential players in the NSW squad, but his impact has been questioned in recent games. The Blues have struggled when he has come on as a substitute, often trailing by a large margin in the early stages of the match. Despite this, Daley has chosen to keep Murray on the bench, believing that his presence off the field provides valuable support to the team.
At a joint press conference in Melbourne ahead of Game 2, Daley addressed the issue directly. He emphasized that while Murray is a “wonderful player” who has made a significant contribution to the team this year, there are always options available during the game. “Yeoey will probably find himself up front during the game,” Daley said, indicating that Yeo could be used more effectively in the opening stages.
Daley also highlighted that Murray’s role as a substitute allows him to conserve energy and be at his best when he does come onto the field. “Cam gives us plenty coming off the bench so that’s the way we’ll go,” he added. This decision was confirmed when the final teams were announced, with Murray remaining on the bench.
Despite the criticism, the Blues have a strong record when Murray starts at lock, with a 3-0 win rate in those scenarios. However, in the last three games, they have been outscored 66-12 in the first half, all of which saw Murray starting on the interchange.
Cameron Murray Embraces Role on the Bench
Cameron Murray has expressed his willingness to continue playing on the bench, even if it means not starting the game. As the captain of South Sydney, he has shown his commitment to the team’s success. In the 2026 series opener, Murray played 51 minutes and came onto the field when NSW was down 20-6.
“I just do what Laurie tells me to do and what the team needs me to do, and that’s coming off the bench,” Murray said. He explained that his strategy involves conserving energy on the bench so that he can be at his best when called upon. “I just try to keep a lid on it and try not to play the game in my head and expend all the energy on the bench … so then when it’s time to go on, be the best player I can be for the boys.”
Yeo Looks to Payne Haas for Help
Isaah Yeo has acknowledged the challenges the Blues have faced with their slow starts and believes the return of Payne Haas could provide a much-needed boost. Haas, who recently returned from a knee injury, has been praised for his performances with the Brisbane Broncos. Yeo highlighted the impact Haas has had on the team since his return.
“Payne’s one of those players that makes any team that he’s in better,” Yeo said. “Just how he’s been able to come back from that knee injury for his two games back at the Broncos has been outstanding and I don’t think many players can do what he’s done, particularly in the middle.”
Yeo also noted that Haas’s performance in his first game back was exceptional. “In his first (Brisbane) game back after the medial (knee injury), he played 80 minutes and was outstanding. He brings that to the NSW level as well and he’s had some terrific performances in that jersey.”
