Queensland kicks off its shield defence on Wednesday night when the Maroons travel down south to Accor Stadium to face a new-look Blues side with plenty to prove.<\/p>\n
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One NSW superstar in particular has a lot on the line, while a few interesting calls from Billy Slater will be under the microscope.<\/p>\n
Plus, there is one question all rugby league fans want answered.<\/p>\n
Read on for foxsports.com.au\u2019s talking points ahead of the series opener!<\/p>\n
THE CHANGE NSW MUST CONSIDER \u2026 AND WHY CLEARY NEEDS TO BE \u2018SELFISH\u2019<\/p>\n
Once again, the Blues will have a strong Panthers flavour in the Origin arena. <\/p>\n
There could have been a few more too had Liam Martin and Mitch Kenny been available, while Tom Jenkins was also a bolter for the vacant spot on the wing. <\/p>\n
But as Nathan Cleary looks to make up for last year\u2019s \u201cdevastating\u201d Origin decider, Blues coach Laurie Daley has been urged to pull a late selection switch to help his halfback out.<\/p>\n
While Cleary has a strong combination with lock forward Isaah Yeo at clubland, Fox League expert Braith Anasta believes the Blues halfback is better served with Cameron Murray at lock.<\/p>\n
\u201cOrigin we\u2019ve seen is very different. You\u2019ve got less time and space to make decisions, to come up with plays and deliver what he (Cleary) usually does for Penrith,\u201d Anasta said on \u2018NRL 360\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey play a different style to what I believe translates to success at Origin and we\u2019ve seen that when they\u2019ve picked numerous Penrith players and they\u2019ve won the comp every year and they still lost Origin and still have played nowhere near where they need to and that\u2019s why they need to put Isaah Yeo in the front row and Cameron Murray at lock and maybe Barnett back to the bench.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anasta explained that Origin is a \u201cdifferent game\u201d played at a \u201cdifferent speed\u201d and that could only be even more true this year considering the rule changes, although it remains to be seen whether that will be the case this time around.<\/p>\n
‘No one in Nathan’s corner more than me’ | 04:59<\/p>\n
Either way, it means it is only more important to get the ball fast and at the advantage line to execute set plays and Anasta believes having a ball-playing option like Yeo through the middle could actually hamper that.<\/p>\n
\u201cIsaah Yeo, I think, can get in the way of Cleary in Origin and Cleary gets the ball too late,\u201d Anasta said.<\/p>\n
He isn\u2019t the only one who feels that way either. Even former Blues captain Jake Trbojevic said he could see the benefit in Yeo shifting to prop or \u201cjust (being) more of a running lock\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s obviously got great leg speed, he\u2019s a big body,\u201d Trbojevic added on \u2018NRL 360\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember in 2024 in the decider he actually came off the bench and it was probably his best Origin he\u2019s played. He was outstanding the way he ran the ball. His carry is underrated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Regardless of whether Yeo lines up in the No. 13 jersey as named or not, Gorden Tallis said there is a lesson to be learned for Cleary in being \u201cmore selfish\u201d for the Blues.<\/p>\n
To make that point, he recalled a conversation he had with Wayne Bennett where the legendary coach told him what made Wally Lewis so good at Origin was the fact he \u201cgot the ball when he wanted\u201d. <\/p>\n
It was the same with Andrew Johns.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe touched the ball as many times as he wanted,\u201d Tallis added. <\/p>\n
For Cleary, there has to be a similar approach for the four-time premiership winner to truly dominate.<\/p>\n
Now, with Mitch Moses a late out and replaced by Origin debutant Ethan Strange, the focus will be on Cleary more than ever.<\/p>\n
Moses was meant to help Cleary with the all-important kicking game, but with Strange at six, Cleary will be asked to shoulder the kicking load almost entirely. <\/p>\n
‘Ridiculous’: Cleary slams criticism | 08:19<\/p>\n
HOW UNCAPPED YOUNG GUN WILL HANDLE THE PRESSURE<\/p>\n
Thanks to Moses\u2019 untimely injury, Raiders star Ethan Strange has been thrust into the starting five-eighth role for New South Wales.<\/p>\n
It was unclear if Laurie Daley had a role in mind for Strange before Moses\u2019 injury or whether he was simply meant to be on standby if a half or back went down midgame, but the reality is that the 21-year-old will be front and centre for the Blues tonight.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a tall order, and Strange will be tested by the Maroons\u2019 edge forwards, but Daley clearly believes the Raiders gun has what it takes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always loved Ethan as a player,\u201d Daley said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI probably watch more Canberra games than any other team, so I\u2019ve got a fair idea on Ethan as a player and I like the way he plays.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt this level, if you\u2019ve got a strong running game you want to challenge the defence. There\u2019s a lot of fatigue in Origin, so if he just backs his instincts, he\u2019ll play well. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not worried about Ethan, he\u2019ll play well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking on the Matty and Cronk show, Matty Johns is also confident the Origin arena won\u2019t faze Strange. <\/p>\n
Johns, who made the following comments right before news of Moses\u2019 injury broke, says Strange can be a point of difference for the Blues this series.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think he could leave the series at the end of game three as a genuine star of the game. He\u2019s the sort of guy that when things are tight at the end of games and you need a try, he can deliver,\u201d Johns said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne thing I admire about him is his physicality for a half. For an Origin game, that\u2019s a very good trait to have for a kid that loves to run the ball,\u201d Maroons great Cooper Cronk added<\/p>\n
Strange had a slow-ish start to the season but his form for Canberra for the past two months has been strong. <\/p>\n
Strange debuted as a 19-year-old for Canberra in 2023 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.<\/p>\n
Last season, he led the Raiders to the minor premiership, winning the Dally M five-eighth of the year award. That form earned the playmaker selection in the Kangaroos squad on the end-of-season Ashes Tour. <\/p>\n
While he didn\u2019t get the chance to feature in the UK, he\u2019s being relied upon to make his senior representative debut in the toughest arena this sport has to offer.<\/p>\n
Ethan Strange will be tasked with a massive assignment in his Origin debut. Is he up for it?Source: News Corp Australia<\/p>\n
DISSECTING THE TWO BIG FULLBACK CALLS<\/p>\n
With a wealth of talent across the NRL in the No. 1 jersey, who wins the fullback spot is a heated selection battle each and every year.<\/p>\n
For the Blues, Roosters gun James Tedesco\u2019s form was too good to ignore, winning his New South Wales jersey back off incumbent Dylan Edwards.<\/p>\n
But the battle on the Maroons side was arguably even more interesting.<\/p>\n
Kalyn Ponga got the nod over Broncos superstar Reece Walsh, with legendary halfback Cooper Cronk certain something irked Billy Slater in selecting his incumbent No.1.<\/p>\n
\u201cBilly\u2019s the best fullback this game has seen, right? He watches the game through a different lens to what we would when it comes to fullbacks,\u201d Cronk said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo he\u2019s obviously seen something in Reece\u2019s game that says, \u2018look, I don\u2019t know if I can trust him for 80 minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cPonga has been playing lights out football. I would say that Ponga\u2019s playing better now than he did in his Daly M year. Like, he is that influential.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe way he carries himself, the way he communicates, the way he plays for Newcastle, it\u2019s pretty hard to deny it.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, that doesn\u2019t mean there wasn\u2019t a place for Walsh in the side at all, with Cronk saying: \u201cPersonally I would have them both in the side.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut Billy\u2019s the best fullback that\u2019s ever played the game. He would see things differently to you and I would see things.\u201d<\/p>\n
The phone call from Maroons coach Slater to Walsh was a difficult one, but he insists there are no burnt bridges between the two.<\/p>\n
‘Daley would be happy there is no Walsh’ | 00:48<\/p>\n
\u201cHe (Walsh) has a really good understanding of the things he focuses on when he plays his best football \u2026 I\u2019ve got a great relationship with Reece and a lot of time for him, I love the way he plays his footy, and he\u2019s getting there,\u201d Slater said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is difficult, I think we\u2019ve all seen what Kalyn\u2019s done at this level but also in his return when he\u2019s played for the Knights this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s in exceptional form. I feel Kalyn\u2019s best position is fullback, he knows how to play that position and he\u2019s really nailed it, he\u2019s in a real sweet spot of his career and life at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Billy Slater and Reece Walsh. Picture: NRL PhotosSource: Supplied<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, on the Blue side of the equation, form also played the most important factor which saw Tedesco reclaim his jersey.<\/p>\n
Tedesco last featured for the Blues in 2024, losing his spot for the series opener before Edwards went down injured during training, paving the way for what he believed was his last NSW appearance.<\/p>\n
But now, as former Blue Michael Ennis says, Tedesco just couldn\u2019t be ignored.<\/p>\n
His combination with hooker Reece Robson, meanwhile, was another feather in Tedesco\u2019s bow, especially since this year\u2019s faster version of the NRL is won playing in and around the ruck.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith what we\u2019re seeing in the game at the moment \u2026 it\u2019s really difficult because I don\u2019t see that Dylan (Edwards) did anything wrong to play himself out of that jersey,\u201d Ennis said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut at the same time, the form of Tedesco, and in particular his form with Reece Robson, the game\u2019s at the ruck at the moment and that combination \u2026. has been deadly in the last month and a half.\u201d<\/p>\n
‘Tough call’ Why Tedesco was picked | 01:01<\/p>\n
\u2018FASCINATING\u2019 DECISION THAT COULD UNLEASH \u2018REAL WEAPON\u2019<\/p>\n
There\u2019s two facets to the NSW hooker situation, according to legendary rake Michael Ennis.<\/p>\n
Roosters hooker Reece Robson has been handed the starting No. 9 jersey as the incumbent, with Sharks gun Blayke Brailey joining him in the hooking ranks.<\/p>\n
But Wednesday night\u2019s Origin opener is the first of its kind since the new set-restart rules came into play \u2014 meaning Laurie Daley has a fine tightrope to walk with two clear opportunities when it comes to his dummy-halves.<\/p>\n
For Ennis, he was of the belief Brailey should play a big role in the Blues\u2019 game plan.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019ll be fascinating to see at what point they do inject Blayke Brayley into the action,\u201d Ennis said on Fox League.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe running game of Brailey could be a real weapon for New South Wales if we get it right.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, there\u2019s a big drawcard in playing Robson for bigger minutes, or bringing him back at the end of the contest \u2014 James Tedesco.<\/p>\n
Robson and Tedesco have forged a strong combination in clubland, and their connection has been pivotal in the Tricolours success this season.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the same time, the time (James) Tedesco and Robson have put in together, you need to wait for fatigue for that to really open up or find moments,\u201d Ennis said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOr wait for moments.\u201d<\/p>\n
so what\u2019s the final verdict for one of the game\u2019s most decorated rakes?<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my opinion, I\u2019d have (Reece) Robson do the first half an hour and Brailey play the next 50. I\u2019d have Brailey play more time than Robson,\u201d Ennis said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrailey has a more attacking feel for the game. I think Robson is very north-south and you need to be like that in Origin as a dummy half.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think Brailey just sees it (the game) a little wider and can feel space for where to position his halves as well at different stages.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brailey makes his Origin debut. (Photo by Scott Gardiner\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Interestingly, when asked about his role, Brailey wasn\u2019t too sure how he would be used, if at all.<\/p>\n
Alongside Brailey, the Blues have Ethan Strange and Casey McLean on the bench and if either of those players are injected into the contest, the Sharks gun\u2019s chances of taking the field reduce.<\/p>\n
Strange will likely slot in if a playmaker goes down injured, but could at a push play a role in the middle of the park.<\/p>\n
However, he\u2019s unlikely to be thrown into that role with Victor Radley, Cameron Murray and Jacob Saifiti on the bench.<\/p>\n
McLean, meanwhile, likely only sees minutes if an outside back needs to leave the field.<\/p>\n
But if the Blues avoid any injuries in those positions, expect to see Brailey make his debut.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure as we get close to the game we\u2019ll discuss minutes in my role but whatever that is, I\u2019m happy to do so,\u201d Brailey said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever Laurie wants me to do and needs me to do, I\u2019ll do that to the best of my ability for the team.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously I want to get on the field just like all the six men on the bench \u2026 so I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll have those conversations and work out what my role is.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I get on the field, if I don\u2019t, I\u2019m still happy to be here. I\u2019ll still prepare the same way, I\u2019ll still give the same energy and effort.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully I do get on, but at the same time it\u2019s a team performance and I\u2019m willing to do whatever it takes for the team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reece Robson will start for the Blues. (Photo by Matt King\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
THE SCARY CLEARY WARNING LOOMING FOR QUEENSLAND<\/p>\n
There\u2019s been a consistent chink in Nathan Cleary\u2019s stellar resume \u2014 he hasn\u2019t dominated the Origin arena.<\/p>\n
By his own admission, the champion halfback hasn\u2019t reached the heights he would like to when wearing the Blues jumper.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot so much doubters to prove wrong, I know what I need myself,\u201d Cleary said to reporters on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been disappointed with my performances in the past and I am my own harshest critic, so it\u2019s not so much about proving doubters wrong.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s repaying the faith that Loz has shown in me and the Blues have shown in me \u2026 and to myself, I know what I am capable of and it\u2019s trying to reach those heights.\u201d <\/p>\n
Tough crowd.<\/p>\n
Especially when you consider Cleary already has three Origin series wins under his belt, to go with his four premiership rings as the Panthers talisman.<\/p>\n
But Michael Ennis summed it up perfectly, saying: \u201cThe reason he is where he is because he is such a hard marker\u201d.<\/p>\n
So, is Cleary now primed for his best Origin series to date? All indicators are pointing to just that.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s scary to think the gun No. 7 has only 205 NRL appearances to his name, and at 28 years old, he is hitting what many would consider the prime of his career.<\/p>\n
Just to repeat that earlier sentiment, Cleary has four premierships and three Origin series victories \u2014 and is now arguably coming into his prime.<\/p>\n
If that doesn\u2019t strike fear into any players hailing from north of the border, then nothing will.<\/p>\n
Throw into the mix one-time Origin representative Luke Keary\u2019s own prediction, and Billy Slater might be shaking in his Maroon-coloured boots.<\/p>\n
Can Cleary command Origin? (Photo by Matt King\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s hard to say he hasn\u2019t done so, but by his own admission he probably hasn\u2019t fully put his stamp on a series,\u201d Keary said.<\/p>\n
\u201c2021 he dominated the first two games, they dominated Queensland and then he missed the third one due to injury.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think he knows there\u2019s another level to him, he knows what he has done in clubland and in grand finals, he inside himself wants to translate that into three games of him dominating Queensland.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is ready, he is absolutely ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Panthers legend Greg Alexander delivered Cleary\u2019s Origin critics a reality check.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can understand him saying what he did, he is a very hard marker,\u201d Alexander said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe would have walked off in a couple of those series disappointed and thought \u2018I could have done more\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut he has also had some great games for NSW where he was the best player on the field. I don\u2019t think he needs to prove it to himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think he needs to dominate to prove what he is as a player, I\u2019d like to see him do that, but I don\u2019t think he needs to do that to prove what a good player he is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Does Cleary need a dominant Origin? | 02:52<\/p>\n
\u2018GUESSING GAME\u2019: THE BIGGEST QUESTION FOR GAME 1<\/p>\n
It is perhaps the biggest question hanging over Wednesday night\u2019s series opener: will State of Origin see a return to the NRL rules of old? <\/p>\n
Blues forward Cameron Murray said it will \u201cprobably be a bit of a guessing game\u201d.<\/p>\n
Maroons skipper Cameron Munster, meanwhile, admitted it is a \u201cmystery\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just can\u2019t really rely on what the referees are going to do,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just have to be disciplined in every area and every aspect of the game, wherever they give those six-agains or whatever they decide to officiate. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe just have to move on and get on with our job. You can\u2019t be sitting there kicking cans. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think five or six weeks out, I was probably thinking, \u2018this is not rugby league\u2019. But that\u2019s the way the model is and the product is, so we\u2019ve just got to move on, otherwise you get left behind.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year has seen the league adopt new ruck interpretations, with more six-agains blown and points flowing as a result.<\/p>\n
If the current rules are enforced, former Blues representative Ben Elias said he believes it will be a \u201creal test\u201d for the players given how fast-paced and competitive Origin games have been historically.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho can sustain and be there at the end?\u201d he asked on \u2018NRL 360\u2019 last week.<\/p>\n
In contrast, Origin games are usually tightly-contested, low-scoring battles where players are given more leeway by the referees and the whistle is, to some extent, put away.<\/p>\n
Both coaches didn\u2019t want to weigh into how they think the refereeing could play out when quizzed about it on Monday along with how it may have weighed into their selections.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know how it\u2019s going to be refereed,\u201d Laurie Daley said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it\u2019s going to be refereed like the NRL, well, obviously you\u2019ve got to have that mobility, and hence we\u2019ve sort of gone down that path.\u201d<\/p>\n
Slater, meanwhile, said the referee would not \u201coccupy too much of my headspace\u201d.<\/p>\n
Ashley Klein will have the whistle. (Photo by Cameron Spencer\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the end of the day, players have habits that they practice regularly. Referees are the same,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really hard to turn on a dime and swivel and change the way that you perform your role.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe referees and the NRL will be thinking the game will be how it is \u2026 the game\u2019s not refereed how it was back in the 90s. In the 90s it was refereed how the NRL was, and I think that\u2019ll be the same now.\u201d<\/p>\n