Key Player Selections for the 2026 State of Origin Series
The New South Wales Blues have made a decision to retain Stephen Crichton for the opening game of the 2026 State of Origin series, despite his recent struggles at the Canterbury Bulldogs. Crichton has been a consistent starter for the Blues in previous seasons, but concerns over his form and injuries during the early part of the 2026 season led to speculation about his inclusion.
However, reports indicate that the Blues will stick with their current strategy, selecting both Crichton and Latrell Mitchell in the three-quarters. Mitchell is expected to be cleared of a back injury, which means he will be available for the match. This decision comes as Kotoni Staggs and Tolutau Koula have shown strong performances at the club level, but they are likely to be left out of the squad.
Potential Inclusions and Adjustments
With a bye week coming up for the Broncos, there is a possibility that Staggs could be brought into the squad as cover for both Mitchell and Crichton. Mitchell will follow a modified training plan to manage his back injury, which may affect his availability in the short term.
In other areas of the team, Addin Fonua-Blake is expected to make his debut in the middle of the field. This move is a direct replacement for the injured Payne Haas. Additionally, Canberra Raiders’ rising star Ethan Strange is likely to feature off the bench, adding depth to the squad.
Manly second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu is also expected to be selected after delivering an impressive performance against the Tigers on Saturday. His strong form throughout the first half of the season has solidified his position in the team.
Halfback and Backline Options
The Blues are also considering options for the halfback position. Wayde Egan has been mentioned as a potential candidate, with Reece Robson and Blayke Brailey also in contention. Despite concerns about their performance, Mitchell Moses and Nathan Cleary are expected to be named in the halves, which means Wests Tigers star Jarome Luai will not be included in the squad.
Final Squad Announcement
Laurie Daley, the coach of the NSW Blues, will officially announce the squad at 7:30am (AEST) on Monday morning. The final selection will depend on the fitness of several players who are set to play on Sunday. Any player who does not pass the fitness tests will not be included in the final list.
This decision highlights the Blues’ confidence in their current lineup while also keeping an eye on potential replacements for key positions. As the team prepares for the upcoming match, fans can expect a competitive and well-rounded squad ready to take on the Queensland Maroons.
