Blues in Crisis: Fittler’s Tough Decisions as Watson and Utoikamanu Face the Axe Ahead of Decisive Origin Clash
The New South Wales Blues are at a crossroads after their narrow loss in the most recent State of Origin game. With the series now hanging in the balance, coach (often Laurie Daley faces tough decisions on how to tweak his team. One of the most pressing issues is the form of utility Connor Watson, who was underwhelming in the latter stages of the match when the Blues were pushing for a match-winning try. Watson’s service from dummy-half and his decision-making left much to be desired, and this has raised questions about whether Fittler will turn to an alternative option.
Initially, the Blues coach could opt to retain Watson in the squad, but move him to a more central role. Rather than being the backup hooker to Reece Robson, Watson could shift into the middle of the field, where he could take on a ball-playing role to support the team’s playmaking efforts. This move could ease the pressure on Robson, who has been working hard in the trenches. Watson’s versatility gives Fittler flexibility, but if he continues to falter in key moments, the coach may have no choice but to explore other options.
Meanwhile, the Blues are already dealing with concerns about their bench. Hudson Young, who was brought in as a backup forward, has proven to be a reliable option in the forwards, but his ability to shift into the centres could be crucial if an injury were to occur to any of the outside backs. However, this could leave the team a little thin on the edges, which is why Fittler may be forced to explore other avenues for a solid replacement. While Young’s versatility is valuable, the team might not be able to rely on him for every possible scenario.
One area where Fittler will definitely need to make a call is Stefano Utoikamanu’s place in the squad. The Storm front-rower has had a mixed performance in recent matches, most notably failing to make an impact in attack. He managed just five carries for 39 metres—a worrying statistic for a front-rower at this level. Despite this, Utoikamanu worked tirelessly in defence, racking up 22 tackles in a mere 27 minutes on the field. While his defensive efforts were commendable, Utoikamanu seemed to tire too quickly, which raises doubts about his capacity to maintain a high impact throughout a full Origin game.
It’s a tough balancing act for Fittler, as the Blues need every player to be firing at their best in this do-or-die series. As the team scrambles to find solutions and build momentum, Fittler may have no choice but to turn to some of the snubbed stars who haven’t yet had a chance to showcase their talents. Whether that’s a tactical change with Watson, a shift in bench strategy, or an increased reliance on Young’s adaptability, the Blues coach will have to make some tough calls. The clock is ticking, and the future of the series depends on the moves he makes in the coming days.
