For me, the biggest surprise in this team is Victor Radley. He’s only played five games this season due to two different suspensions and given the depth New South Wales has in the forwards I’m surprised he got a run ahead of players like Jacob Preston, Keaon Koloamatangi and especially Jackson Ford.
Radley does offer versatility, given he can play middle and edge, but given Murray is already on the bench the Blues have that kind of cover regardless.
Saifiti might not have been on many radars but I can understand why Daley has gone with him. He’s got the size and the power to make a big impact in a short time on the field and with so many big-minute forwards in the team, that contrast could be important.
Having said that, Ford can count himself very unlucky given his exceptional form for the Warriors. He’s been close to the best forward in the league thus far in 2026.
Even with Latrell Mitchell’s injury, Stephen Crichton is fortunate to be getting the start. If Bradman Best was fit I wonder how close it might have been.