NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley explains Brian To’o axing and selections for Brisbane decider
Updated ,first published
Brian To’o’s exposure to the bright lights and Queensland’s blitz. We’re reviving the old Panthers’ right wing to combat the Maroons’ biggest offensive threat. A playmaking backbone under increasing pressure.
Laurie Daley gave enough and kept more to himself when he stood in front of cameras and microphones on Monday morning, but he refused to entertain suggestions it was his last time as NSW coach.
And under a small pile of criticism, Daley hinted at keeping receipts of comments about his coaching as he announced five crucial squad changes ahead of the legacy-defining 80 minutes in the next Origin decider on July 8.
Why was To’o dropped and Bostock supported?
Daley’s decision to drop To’o, the best winger of his generation, after 17 consecutive Origin games ranks as one of the biggest calls of his coaching career.
The selection of Dolphins ace Jack Bostock on the left wing outside of Bradman Best leads to an untested combination and Köken’s baptism of fire for Bostock.
To’o’s short stature – his listed height of 182cm has long been disputed – has always been perceived as a target for opposition batsmen, but Penrith and NSW have often managed to protect him by pairing him with tall centers and having his team-mates provide an “escort” to make life difficult for chasers.
However, Queensland halves Sam Walker and Cameron Munster managed to exploit him with crossfield strikes in this series; especially when Jojo Fifita was flying over him at the MCG.
Uncharacteristic errors in Origin I and a career-high average of errors per game for the Panthers this year have caused To’o to “lose confidence” in the eyes of Daley, preferring Bostock’s 194cm frame.
“What we were looking for wasn’t a lot of height; we were looking for a different option in the ball-in-the-air offense,” Daley said.
“Because there are so many more contested positions in today’s game, you need to be able to get off the ground, catch the ball and turn it into a tackle.”
The real test for Bostock and the Blues will be defending To’o’s difficult passes from deep in his own half. To’o is the best distance player in the game and has run more meters than any other NSW player since his 2021 debut.
Getting the Panthers group back together
Kotoni Staggs and Mark Nawaqanitawase were targeted and spotted by Queensland’s marauding left wing in Melbourne: six of seven tries were scored in their respective channels.
Stephen Crichton, the best defensive center in the game, replaces Staggs and has been moving much more freely in recent weeks while managing an ongoing AC joint problem in his shoulder.
Nathan Cleary’s astonishing off-the-line rushes and defensive blunders in Origin II also had an impact on the revamped right-wing side, where Liam Martin lined up alongside Panthers No.7 and former Penrith team-mates Crichton.
“I think six of the seven tries in the second game were down the right sideline,” Daley said. “So we felt like we needed to make a change there.
“When Martin came back, [he] He argues with Nath [Cleary]Nath defends with Critta [Crighton]. “It gives us a stronger look… Martin has been out for four games after the injury, so I think he brings that experience and he is used to playing with Nath on that side of the pitch.”
Martin also made it his Origin mission to torment Munster, outmaneuvering his captains every time NSW won.
As for Tom Trbojevic’s credentials as a tall, polished, classy and experienced body, Daley said only that he was “taken into consideration” before Crichton and Best were chosen.
His starring role in the Blues’ last series-deciding defeat at Suncorp Stadium hit the selection table, along with compelling effort plays that were crucial in Newcastle’s tense win over Wests Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
No spine surgery
Despite widespread calls for the dummy half to gain more momentum, Daley backed Reece Robson to make an 11th consecutive Origin start over more creative hookers Blayke Brailey and Api Koroisau.
Mitchell Moses also stands out alongside Cleary thanks to his improving long-shot game and ability to “take the pressure off Nath” as an elite game manager.
Daley will support Robson’s ability to cross defensively before Brailey’s running game comes off the bench, as he did in the 31st minute on his Origin I debut.
“The circumstances of the game led us to the decisions we made,” Daley said of Koroisau remaining unused in Melbourne, where Staggs’ second-half sin binning wreaked havoc on the NSW team rotation.
“Brailey was very effective for us in game one… Robbo will start and Brailey will get his chance at some point.”
NSW Blues squad for Origin III
1. James Tedesco, 2. Jack Bostock, 3. Bradman Best, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Mitchell Moses, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Payne Haas, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Mitch Barnett, 11. Hudson Young 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo (captain). Bench: 14. Cameron Murray, 15. Addin Sorua-Blake, 16. Haumole Olakau’atu, 17. Blayke Brailey, 18. Ethan Strange, 19. Tolutau Koula, 20. Victor Radley
Six-man bench Blues
The NRL’s new six-man bench offers coaches greater flexibility and the chance to review their rotations. Daley experienced both in the first two games.
The recall of Haumole Olakau’atu in place of the shorter Victor Radley marks a straight right-side change for Martin, especially given Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has largely resisted playing Martin for 80 minutes this season.
“I think we need to get the best out of Liam. If it’s 50 minutes, it’s 50 minutes. If it’s 80 minutes, it’s 80 minutes,” said Daley, noting Olakau’atu’s devastating form for Manly since being dropped.
“He knew where we were and what we needed to see and that got a good response from him because he handled himself very well in Melbourne as well.”
Once Daley picks 17, that’s usually how NSW run out, but he said on Monday he would “definitely leave that open to late changes”.
How NSW rotates Cameron Murray, Addin Vakfıa-Blake and Isaah Yeo is also critical; Because the smaller bodies of Yeo, Murray and Radley were used in the middle at the same time, Queensland gained the game two lead.
‘It’s a lonely place’ but Daley keeps the receipts
In short, Daley was short. The expectation is that, win or lose, this series will be his last in charge as his two-year contract with the NSWRL expires and Ivan Cleary will step up as Blues coach in 2028.
Daley has revealed nothing about his plans beyond his July 8 decision.
But a line or two of his criticism pointed towards the title challenger, with many of his former NSW team-mates also speaking out in recent days.
“Nobody likes criticism, but I understand it’s coming and it’s going to happen,” Daley said. “I’ll get into some of the comments and comments about that after the third game… it’s always great to get support because it’s a lonely area sometimes.
“I’ve poured my heart and soul into this job. And if anyone thinks that I won’t be more prepared than ever to coach the football team in this game, they’ll be shocked, or they shouldn’t be surprised, because I’m going to do my best to help this team win.”
Dan Walsh is sports correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect with: X or email.
