State of Origin I: Team News and Selections

After all the talk over the weekend about Kalyn Ponga slotting in at halfback the Newcastle custodian will line up at his preferred fullback spot but that means here's no room for Reece Walsh in Billy Slater's side.

It's a massive call given Walsh's form in leading Brisbane to last year's premiership. He can't even make the 20 with Ezra Mam preferred as the 18th man on the bench.

Sam Walker will debut at halfback with Jojo Fifita, Max Plath and Briton Nikora all to make their Origin debuts.

Nikora is another player who was ineligible before the recent rule changes. He's played 15 Tests for New Zealand since 2019.

For me, the biggest surprise in this team is Victor Radley. He's only played five games this season due to two different suspensions and given the depth New South Wales has in the forwards I'm surprised he got a run ahead of players like Jacob Preston, Keaon Koloamatangi and especially Jackson Ford.

Radley does offer versatility, given he can play middle and edge, but given Murray is already on the bench the Blues have that kind of cover regardless.

Saifiti might not have been on many radars but I can understand why Daley has gone with him. He's got the size and the power to make a big impact in a short time on the field and with so many big-minute forwards in the team, that contrast could be important.

Having said that, Ford can count himself very unlucky given his exceptional form for the Warriors. He's been close to the best forward in the league thus far in 2026.

Even with Latrell Mitchell's injury, Stephen Crichton is fortunate to be getting the start. If Bradman Best was fit I wonder how close it might have been.

Lots of changes for New South Wales but only three players look certain to be making their Origin debuts.

Manly's Tolu Koula will start on the wing, a fine reward for his excellent start to the season while Cronulla's Blayke Brailey has been named on the bench.

The new eligibility rules mean Addin Fonua-Blake and Victor Radley can both play and while the former is no surprise it's a bit of a shock to see Radley on the bench. The Roosters and England backrower has only played five games this season due to various suspensions.

Two out of Canberra's Ethan Strange, Penrith's Casey McLean (another beneficiary of the new rules) and Newcastle's Dylan Lucas will fill out the 18th and 19th places on the bench and could see some action although it's not guaranteed.

Blues coach Laurie Daley is speaking now on why he went with James Tedesco ahead of the incumbent Dylan Edwards.

"It's always a tough position to be in when you have two outstanding players playing so well," Daley said.

"There wasn't much between them. Teddy has been there before, Dylan as done nothing wrong.

"It's more about the style of football we want to play."

Hey team, hello and welcome — let's catch Origin fever together.

My name is Nick and this morning I'll bring you all the latest news on the teams for State of Origin I.

First up, we'll have New South Wales at 7:30 before Billy Slater names his Queensland side about an hour later.

Both sides are set for a host of changes from last year but we'll keep you abreast of all the news that's fit to blog.

Enjoy your Origin football!

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