Source : ABC NEWS
I know this is a blog about the Maroons’ team, but before they’re named, let’s dive into the Blues’ announcement from last night.
NSW coach Laurie Daley made about half a dozen changes (depending how you count) from the team that lost Game II so comprehensively.
Dylan Lucas was dumped with Haumole Olakau’atu recalled to the bench, Liam Martin and Blayke Brailey were drafted back in after returning from injury, Victor Radley drops out, centres Tolu Koula and Kotoni Staggs were axed for Bradman Best and Stephen Crichton.
But the biggest call was dropping winger Brian To’o for debutant Jack Bostock.
To’o has been the first name on the team sheet for five years, named in 17 straight Origin games since making his debut in 2021, and winning the Brad Fittler Medal as NSW’s best player in the 2025 and 2023 series.
“He’s given great service to NSW, and I’m sure he’ll be back, but just for this game we just needed to make that change,” Daley said.
To’o is the Blues’ equal leading try-scorer and a constant source of massive running metres and tackle busts, but a couple of lapses appear to have cost him his spot.
He had an uncharacteristically error-riddled outing in Game I and even made a couple in Game II, but the more telling moments came in defence at the MCG and against the Cowboys on Saturday.
In a world full of enormous wingers, the stocky To’o has always managed to use his strength and body position to hold his own in aerial contests, but Jojo Fifita easily leapt over him in broken play for a try in Origin II.
On Saturday, Murray Taulagi and Jeremiah Nanai both had their moments in contests with To’o, including Nanai’s game-sealing try.
Bostock shouldn’t have such issues and it is a bold decision to drop one of NSW’s greatest for a decider like this.
If it goes well, Daley will be hailed but it will be looked back on very unfavourably if the Blues go down next Wednesday at Lang Park.
