The NSW Blues are in a state of flux as they gear up for the 2026 State of Origin series, with a host of changes to the team following their loss in the 2025 series. The pressure is on coach Laurie Daley to find the winning formula, and with several key players sidelined due to injury, he has been forced to make some bold decisions. Personally, I think this shake-up is a necessary evil, and the Blues have an opportunity to reinvent themselves and challenge for the series. What makes this particularly fascinating is the mix of experienced and inexperienced players Daley has to work with, and the potential for some real X-factor moments. In my opinion, the team selection is a real test of Daley's tactical acumen and ability to manage a squad in flux. One thing that immediately stands out is the need for a fresh approach, and Daley has shown he's willing to take risks to achieve that. The full-back position is a real battleground, with Dylan Edwards and James Tedesco both deserving of the No.1 jersey. Edwards has been a key player for the Penrith Panthers, but Tedesco, the 2025 Dally M Medallist, is coming off a season-best campaign and has started the 2026 season in red-hot form. If you were a Queensland supporter, you would probably rather face Edwards than Tedesco, giving the Roosters star the added edge. The wingers' spots are also up for grabs, with Brian To'o and Zac Lomax both missing out due to injury. This leaves Daley with a difficult decision between Josh Addo-Carr and Campbell Graham, with the former's experience and form giving him the edge. The centres are a real strength for the Blues, with Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton both in top form. However, the five-eighth position is a real question mark, with Jarome Luai's slow start to the season and Mitchell Moses' calf strain ruling him out of the last two matches. In my view, Moses is the better option, with his kicking game and ability to complement Cleary perfectly. The halfback position is a real strength for the Blues, with Nathan Cleary a lock to start. Although some may say he hasn't performed at his best in the Origin arena, there is no doubting that Cleary is a world-class halfback and arguably in the best form of his career at the moment. The front row is a real concern, with Max King and Payne Haas sidelined due to injury. Addin Fonua-Blake is a certainty for one of the two vacant spots, but the other one remains a mystery. The hooker position is also up for grabs, with Reece Robson the incumbent but facing competition from Blayke Brailey. The second-rowers are a real strength for the Blues, with Angus Crichton and Haumole Olakau'atu both in top form. However, the lock position is a real question mark, with Isaah Yeo retaining his spot but Cameron Murray and Victor Radley both in contention. The bench is a real opportunity for Daley to add some X-factor, with Blayke Brailey, Mitchell Barnett, Jackson Ford, Tolutau Koula, and Ethan Strange all in contention. In my opinion, the Blues have a real chance of winning the series, but they need to execute their game plan perfectly and take advantage of the opportunities presented to them. If they can do that, they have a real chance of challenging for the series and giving Queensland a run for their money.
