Blues Gamble on Moses as Daley’s Shock Team Call Hands Queensland a Golden Opportunity
NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has finally locked in his squad for the 2026 State of Origin decider in Brisbane, and the selections have already sparked plenty of debate.
After the selection chaos leading into Game 2—where Stephen Crichton was ruled out just hours after being named, Casey McLean was called in before also being withdrawn, and the Blues were left scrambling—Daley has swung the axe again. Crichton returns to the centres, exciting young winger Jack Bostock earns his Origin debut, while Bradman Best also comes back into the starting side.
The biggest casualty is Brian To’o, who misses selection altogether in one of the most surprising omissions of the series. Tolutau Koula has been relegated to the bench, while Queensland’s Kotoni Staggs also finds himself out of the contest.
The halves remain one of the most talked-about decisions. Mitchell Moses was selected for Game 1 before injury forced Ethan Strange into the side. Strange impressed in the Blues’ dominant Game 2 victory, yet Daley has once again backed Moses to partner Nathan Cleary for the series decider, with Strange returning to the interchange bench.
The forward pack also receives a major boost. Liam Martin returns from injury to reclaim his place in the back row, while Haumole Olakau’atu earns a recall after being overlooked for Game 2. Cameron Murray again starts from the bench despite strong calls for him to wear the No.13 jersey, with Isaah Yeo retaining the lock position. Blayke Brailey also returns at hooker, replacing Apisai Koroisau, while Victor Radley has paid the price for ill-discipline in Melbourne, dropping back to 20th man.
But one decision continues to divide fans—the persistence with Mitchell Moses.
According to Alphii S, Daley is taking a massive gamble by sticking with the playmaker after Queensland exposed his defence during the Blues’ heavy 44-24 defeat in Melbourne. Moses’ defensive struggles were again highlighted during his 250th NRL appearance in Round 17, raising fresh concerns ahead of the decider. If Queensland coach Billy Slater needed any extra confidence, he’ll be looking directly at that edge defence and believing it’s an area his Maroons can target all night. For many Blues supporters, selecting Moses feels like handing Queensland a golden opportunity to reclaim the Origin shield. NSW Blues team for Game 3
1. James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)
2. Jack Bostock (The Dolphins)
3. Bradman Best (Newcastle Knights)
4. Stephen Crichton (Canterbury Bulldogs)
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase (Sydney Roosters)
6. Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels)
7. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
8. Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)
9. Reece Robson (Sydney Roosters)
10. Mitchell Barnett (New Zealand Warriors)
11. Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)
12. Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers)
13. Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)
Interchange
14. Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
15. Addin Fonua-Blake (Cronulla Sharks)
16. Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly Sea Eagles)
17. Blayke Brailey (Cronulla Sharks)
18. Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders)
19. Tolutau Koula (Manly Sea Eagles)
Reserve
20. Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters
)
