Blues Coach Laurie Daley Overlooks Alex Johnston for State of Origin 1
Blues coach Laurie Daley has seemingly overlooked the form of Souths’ NRL record-breaker, Alex Johnston, after announcing several candidates for a spot on the NSW wing in State of Origin 1. Johnston’s combination with Latrell Mitchell on the Rabbitohs’ lethal left side is a major reason why Wayne Bennett’s side are fourth on the ladder. An injury blow for Roosters flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase may have left Johnston dreaming of an Origin call-up 12 years after his NRL debut.
However, Daley appears to have ruled Johnston out of the race after discussing a number of players in contention to partner incumbent winger Brian To’o in Game 1. Nawaqanitawase was considered one of the favourites to get the nod until he suffered a syndesmosis injury in Saturday night’s victory over Brisbane that has all but ruled him out of the series. Jacob Kiraz was also a front-runner but he too is sidelined with injury at the Bulldogs.
Penrith’s Tom Jenkins is in contention after scoring 16 tries in his opening eight games to top the try-scoring charts. The Panthers winger is an elite finisher, plus he’s strong out of yardage and a huge aerial threat, which would make him an ideal replacement for Zac Lomax on the wing for NSW. Penrith teammate Casey McLean is another player on Daley’s radar, and the change in Origin eligibility rules means the Kiwi Test star could get a shot. Eels veteran Josh Addo-Carr is bidding to return to the Origin arena for the first time since 2023, while South Sydney’s Campbell Graham has also caught Daley’s eye.
But Johnston has probably been in better form than Graham and already has the combination on the left with Mitchell, who should be one of the first names picked for NSW. If one of the Rabbitohs’ wingers gets picked it might not be logical for it to be Graham.
Daley failed to mention Johnston when asked about his wing candidates on Monday. The Souths veteran has scored in each of his first eight games this year, with doubles in three of them taking his season tally to 11.
Key Players in the Running for the NSW Wing Spot
Several players are currently under consideration for the NSW wing spot in State of Origin 1:
- Campbell Graham – A South Sydney standout who has caught Daley’s attention.
- Josh Addo-Carr – The Eels veteran is aiming to return to the Origin arena for the first time since 2023.
- Tom Jenkins – Penrith’s winger has been in exceptional form, scoring 16 tries in his first eight games.
- Tolu Koula – A versatile player who can cover multiple positions, including fullback and centre.
- Casey McLean – A Kiwi Test star who has previously played on the wing and is highly regarded by Daley.
Daley also mentioned the possibility of selecting Brian To’o, the incumbent winger, as well as Zac Lomax if needed. However, the focus remains on finding the best fit for the team’s strategy and current form.
Selection Challenges for Fullback Position
Daley is only two weeks out from naming his Blues squad for the Origin opener on May 27 in Sydney. He admits the “toughest” selection call will be at fullback and whether to go with incumbent NSW No.1 Dylan Edwards – who’s been superb for Penrith this season – or reigning Dally M Medallist James Tedesco, who is also in red-hot form for the Roosters.
A shoulder injury for Wests Tigers halfback Adam Doueihi in Sunday’s loss to the Sharks could also affect the make-up of Daley’s six-man bench. Doueihi can cover a host of different positions and had emerged as a strong contender to earn an interchange spot for the Blues, but is now a major doubt for Game 1.
