5 burning questions: The huge calls Laurie Daley and NSW must make ahead of State of Origin decider

The NSW Blues selectors have named their Game III squad with a massive six changes from the side that was punished 44-24 by Queensland at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

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While those changes alone were enough to raise plenty of eyebrows, there are still plenty of other critical questions yet be answered ahead of the 2026 State of Origin decider on July 8 at Suncorp Stadium.

Under siege for much of the series, NSW coach Laurie Daley faces a string of legacy-defining decisions. Which way will he go?

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1. Should Cameron Murray start (finally)?

The Rabbitohs’ star has once again been named on the bench behind Isaah Yeo, but that doesn’t mean a late switch isn’t possible. Murray is one of the most dynamic mobile forwards in the game and there’s a growing sense that Daley’s continued loyalty to his NSW captain Yeo could be benefiting the Maroons more than the Blues.

2. When to inject Ethan Strange?

With a pair of No.7s in the halves, NSW could be in trouble if Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses fail to make an impact early. But how long do you give them before introducing Strange’s running game? The Raiders five-eighth offers a clear point of difference, but Daley must judge precisely when — and if — to pull the trigger.

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3. Olakau’atu or Fonua-Blake?

Managing the six-man bench could present a real Blues headache in the decider. Both Haumole Olakau’atu and Addin Fonua-Blake are able to bring explosive impact in short bursts, yet injuries aside it’s hard to see how both can get meaningful minutes. One is likely to remain on the pine, but who?

4. Will Brailey be allowed to make a difference — or simply make up the numbers?

After Tigers No.9 Api Koroisau warmed the bench for the entirety of Game II in Melbourne, attention now turns to Blayke Brailey’s return from injury as back-up hooker. Is his recall a genuine tactical weapon with real minutes attached? Or simply insurance cover for Reece Robson?

5. What happens if NSW actually wins?

The obituaries are already being written on Daley’s Origin coaching career. But if the Blues were to seal a famous series victory away from home at Suncorp Stadium next week, is there a chance he could be convinced to stay on before passing on the NSW baton to Ivan Cleary in 2028? Stranger things have happened.

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