The debate over NSW’s lock position has dominated the build-up to the 2026 State of Origin decider, but Blues assistant coach Boyd Cordner isn’t giving anything away as speculation continues to swirl as to whether Cameron Murray will start or not.
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Despite growing calls for Blues coach Laurie Daley to hand Murray the starting role and shift skipper Isaah Yeo to either the bench or the starting front row, Cordner refused to reveal which way the coaching staff was leaning.
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“I’m going to have to keep that tight-lipped,” Cordner said on NRL 360.
“I’m not going to give away too much there, but (they are) both world-class locks. It’s a really tough decision that one, but that’s all I’ll say on that.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 17: Could Cameron Murray finally start at lock?Source: Getty Images
The mind games from the Blues assistant coach have only fuelled speculation over the selection dilemma with former great Braith Anasta stating that it is a “no-brainer” that Murray should start.
“Murray will start, Murray will start, and I’ll show you why. It’s a no-brainer to me,” the ten-time Blues representative and NRL 360 co-host said.
“Have a look at these carries from Isaah Yeo when Murray started at 13. Yeo was obviously directed here by Michael Maguire just to run the ball, don’t look to pass, make your metres, find your elbows and knees.
“Look at these carries when they won the series up at Suncorp, he was outstanding. He’s not looking to pass, he’s not worried about executing a game plan or getting the ball to Nathan Cleary.
“He’s just thinking he’s going to run over as many Queenslanders as he can, play the ball as quick as he can, then the halves can play off the back of that and the service out of nine will be better.”
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While much of the focus has been centred around the lock position, the Blues assistant also revealed that the state has a clear plan for their hooker rotation with Blayke Brailey set to play a key role after returning to the side for the series decider.
“Blayke Brailey’s coming back in gives us that other dimension in and around the ruck, playing footy, so the plan will be similar there,” Cordner added.
“Depending on how the game goes with Robbo [Reece Robson], but definitely (the plan is to) get Brailey on and get him some action for sure.
“I really thought in Game I that he really offered us a lot through the middle there and freed up our halves
The comments come after Apisai Koroisau wasn’t used in Game II and the Blues instead decided to utilise Reece Robson for the entire 80 minutes.
“There’s been a lot of conversation about that, probably more so about the Api change,” Cordner continued.
“Through that time we had a player sent to the bin so we had to fix our edges up first and Strangey [Ethan Strange] was still on the bench there.
“We had to put him out into the centres to defend there which cost Api his game time so there’s been a lot of talk about that.
“But (we’re) super clear on our game plan going up here in Game III and the interchange.”
The Daily Telegraph 27.5.2024 Westpac NSW Blues coach press conference coach Michael Maguire. Picture: Rohan KellySource: News Corp Australia
This comes as 9News revealed that Laurie Daley invited former NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire into camp on Tuesday night to give the playing group one final talk before the series decider.
It is understood that Maguire joined the Blues for their final dinner before Game III at Suncorp Stadium as they look to win back the shield from the Queensland Maroons.
“It’s a great gesture from Laurie Daley. It shows that he has got no ego about him at all,” reporter Danny Weidler said.
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