Men’s State of Origin Game 1 2026 - The Blues Vs The Maroons - 8:05pm Wednesday 27th May - Accor Stadium

Joshhh said:
Radley was talked about for Origin early in his career but never made the side, so he started playing for England. This feels like they're just picking him now because they can with the eligibility rules changed.
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Yep for some reason they feel like they have to despite being overtaken as a lock by Yeo and Murray, it’s just stupid and honestly kills my enjoyment.

He shouldn’t be in the side he hasn’t earned it
 
Yep, I’ll be interested if the Kiwis and Tongans have the same fire that New South Welshman have against Queenslanders.

That’s what makes SOO, the heavy hits, the fire to never back down to put body on the line for each other, state and just want to crush them, if they have that same fire than I’m fine with it.
 
I wouldn’t have Victor in my side, due to his ability as a penalty/ six again/ sin bin magnet. Too ill disciplined for Origin imo. Young not too far behind him in that regard.
The rest of the side seems reasonable, considering injuries to Hass, Latrell etc. although I think Jackson Ford should have been been chosen up front.
My main concern is the coach, Loz was a great player, but has never proven to be a smart tactical coach or a great people manager . I expect NSW will underperform and lose the series 2-1.
 
Radley is honestly the only truly massive head scratcher for NSW.

For Queensland: JoJo Fifita, Selwyn Cobbo, Reuben Cotter, Kurt Capewell, Lindsay Collins all probably shouldn’t be in the side. Tom Flegler starting, Max Plath starting lock, Carrigan bench, Kulikefu Finefuiaki not in the 19, no Heilum Luki are all also bizarre picks.

Having the gumption to pick Sam Walker - he’s just a better footy player than the other options - is good at least.
 
Gus doesn't think the NSW team is balanced and notes they've not got much positional flexibility if players go down, especially at FB.


Also suggests they can't win without possession. ie. I think he's saying they won't be able to defend their way to victory if possession goes against them.

It's easy to say because it's historically true, but I don't think NSW can afford to lose game one.

PS. With Gus talking this way about the team before game one, I doubt Laurrie, who is off contract, gets renewed without a sweep. Maybe the NSWRL do need to change their rule about club coaches not coaching the Origin team for one season and make a play for Cleary the elder.
 
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If you look at both teams on form NSW have a better side, on current form. JoJo Fafita got schooled by Gags. Trent Lirero? He is in the squad (20) but Kulikefu Finifeiuaku is a stand out in the second row and should be starting. Britan Nikora form has not been great. Munster last couple of games (against bottom teams) ok but before that poor. Fledger, Tino average form also.

Yes you argue they put on the Maroons jersey they lift. Laterell and Best not available is not great, with Critta been average, playing with a shoulder injury. I like Koula in the side, but he’s a centre, see how he goes on the wing.
 
Plenty of criticism going around about J Saf’s selection. The fat feeb on bloke in a bar has been especially vocal. Pretty strange considering he’s in better form than AFB, Barnett or ****ing Radley who shouldn’t be close to a representative side.

They also questioned his previous Origin performances which is absurd because he’s done well in his 2 games for NSW.
 
Yeah they said his (J-saf) performance in his previous origin games was average. From memory for me he played very well.

A few saying Lenu should be that “impact” prop off the bench, as he can “skittle” the defence. Are you telling me J-saf coming on for a 20 minute stint will not do that!?

Short memories these numb nuts. Its funny but also hard not to get fired up when Newcastle rep selections are often questioned. Remember these media wally’s questioned Brandman’s selection.

****ing numb nuts.
 
mozza said:
Plenty of criticism going around about J Saf’s selection. The fat feeb on bloke in a bar has been especially vocal. Pretty strange considering he’s in better form than AFB, Barnett or ****ing Radley who shouldn’t be close to a representative side.

They also questioned his previous Origin performances which is absurd because he’s done well in his 2 games for NSW.
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Thought JSaf was NSW best forward in his last performance. He was immense.

Old mate exposing himself with that opinion tbh. It's just plain wrong.
 
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