Blues’ Future Hinges on Massive Forward Overhaul

With the State of Origin series opener just 80 days away (as of 25th March), the looming shadow of this iconic rugby league contest casts a long presence from pre-season right through to the final whistle of Game 3. For the New South Wales (NSW) Blues to have any hope of reclaiming the coveted Shield in the 2026 opener, a significant overhaul of their forward pack is not just desirable, but essential. Last year’s series saw Queensland’s forwards dominate, a result attributed to a combination of perplexing selection decisions and challenging rotation strategies that left the NSW counterparts struggling to compete. The engine room, arguably the most critical component of any representative team, simply must be nailed by the NSW selectors this time around.

Assuming Connor Watson and Matt Burton secure the final two spots on the six-man bench, this leaves four crucial forward positions to be filled in the starting lineup. Blayke Brailey stands out as the almost certain choice at hooker (number 9). It’s also important to remember that Laurie Daley is at the helm as NSW coach, a factor that might mean conventional logic and sensible choices are sometimes disregarded.

Considering these factors, a breakdown of the likely significant changes to the NSW forward pack for Game One reveals a mix of returning incumbents and pressing new talent.

Incumbents Poised for Return

Payne Haas: Haas is an automatic selection, an undeniable presence in the front row. The evolution of the game towards a faster pace has done nothing to diminish his impact or the significant minutes he commands. When fit, he is the first player picked and takes the field.
Liam Martin: While Martin’s impact with the ball in hand has been a point of contention in previous series, a shift to a middle forward role, potentially off the bench, could unlock his full potential under the new, faster rules. However, he is likely to start on an edge.
Isaah Yeo: Yeo’s most impactful representative performances have come from the bench, playing as a prop. His ball-playing prowess, so effective at club level, hasn’t consistently translated to the Origin arena. While he’ll undoubtedly be in the squad and is almost certain to start, a preference for his running game over his playmaking might be a more effective approach.
Hudson Young: Young is a lock to start and should be selected on his preferred left edge. For over 12 months, he has been the premier back-rower in the competition and has begun the current season in scintillating form. His selection is 100% automatic.
Mitch Barnett: Barnett was a dominant force in Game 1 of the previous series, playing a pivotal role in the Blues’ opening victory. He only missed the final two matches due to injury. He is expected to return, likely via the bench for the Blues. No one would argue against him earning a starting spot.

Incumbents Facing the Chop

Stefano Utoikamanu: “Big Stefano” has started 2026 in impressive fashion. His impact last season was unfortunately curtailed by what many perceive as poor management of his minutes by Laurie Daley. Despite his strong club form, there are now two higher-priority options vying for selection.
Max King: King’s chances of retaining his spot for this year’s series appear slim. He was brilliant in Game 1 when used appropriately but was then inexplicably used in short, low-impact stints. He is likely to be a casualty of selection decisions.
Spencer Leniu: Leniu has yet to feature in the NRL this season. He was kept relatively quiet on the field after making significant noise in the lead-up to the previous series. It is anticipated that he will make way for some of the emerging talents.
Angus Crichton: With Crichton heading to another football code next season, any close selection calls are likely to favour players with future commitments to the NRL. He has also started the current season slowly. While his impressive representative career might keep him in contention, he should not be chosen over Hudson Young.

The Potential Game-Changers: New Blood and Returns

Cameron Murray: Murray should seamlessly slot back into the side as the starting lock. His time in the second-row in representative football appears to be over, a position he has previously occupied despite not being his ideal role. He is the perfect Origin lock. Deploying him for the opening 20-25 minutes before rotating him for Yeo would be an effective strategy. His selection is automatic.
Addin Fonua-Blake: Fonua-Blake is set to be a major beneficiary of the updated representative rules. Having previously played for New Zealand, he was ineligible for Origin. While he has started the season somewhat slowly, this is arguably due to the heavy burden of carrying the Sharks pack for over 12 months. He should partner with Payne Haas to form a formidable starting front row.
Jacob Preston: Preston is a strong candidate for a starting spot in Game One. His suitability for the Origin arena, particularly with the quicker pace of the game, is undeniable. He looks tailor-made for the contest and cannot be overlooked.
Keaon Koloamatangi: This player is another who simply must be selected, specifically as a middle forward. Imagine the impact of Payne Haas and Addin Fonua-Blake softening up the Queensland middle forwards, only to unleash the powerful middle presence of Koloamatangi from South Sydney. This combination would be devastating and his omission would be inexcusable.