NSW coach Laurie Daley has named three players in contention to replace Blayke Brailey after the hooker was ruled out of State of Origin 2. Brailey, who was hugely influential when he came off the bench in Origin 1, fractured his arm in Cronulla’s win over Manly on Friday night.
The one-game Origin player is no chance to play Game 2, but is hoping to be back for Game 3. Discussing the situation on Saturday, Blues coach Daley said Api Koroisau, Connor Watson and Wayde Egan are the three players in the mix to take Brailey’s spot.
Laurie Daley (L) will have to make at least one change for State of Origin 2. Image: Getty
“All three of those guys will be in the conversation,” Daley told News Corp. “Whoever can play well between now and when we select the side may well find themselves on that bench.
“For us it’s very important. (We) saw the impact of Blayke. If you get momentum in today’s game from dummy half and put pressure on the opposition, that was a real strength. There is an opportunity there for someone if they play well in the next couple of weeks.”
Watson was dropped for Game 1 after playing five of the six games in the 2024 and 2025 series. Koroisau has played four Origin games throughout his career, but none since 2023.
And Egan would be making his Origin debut if he’s picked in Daley’s 19. The coach also has the option of using starting No.9 Reece Robson for 80 minutes and not carrying an extra hooker.
Andrew Johns calls for Api Koroisau
Speaking on Friday night, Andrew Johns and Brad Fitter both said they believe Daley will go with Koroisau. “If you said to me now, ‘Who would Laurie pick?’, I would say if Api Koroisau comes back and plays well, I think it’s Api Koroisau,” said Johns.
Connor Watson and Api Koroisau both have State of Origin experience. Image: Getty
Fittler said: “The other thing you can do is carry Connor Watson as well … and Connor Watson gives you the ability if something happens, he plays a bit of lock forward, bit of hooker as well … He’s done it for NSW before, he’s been part of winning series, so there’s experience there.
“But there’s good options, that’s the handy thing. Laurie’s in a pretty good position where he’s got players that have got State of Origin experience, and also the six-man bench gives you some flexibility.”
Watson was previously picked for his versatility. But the introduction of the six-man bench gives coaches the freedom to pick two specialist hookers.