NSW Blues team news, announcement for game three against Queensland Maroons
Jack Bostock will start on the wing at the expense of Blues stalwart Brian To’o, with Bradman Best and Stephen Crichton recalled to the NSW side for the Origin III decider, while Laurie Daley makes five changes for the series decider.
To’o, Kotoni Staggs, Dylan Lucas, Victor Radley and Api Koroisau were excluded from the blockbuster match at Suncorp Stadium on July 8, while center Tolutau Koula was benched.
Dolphins Flyer Bostock was part of the squad for the second match at the MCG and his height and form for the Queensland club could no longer be ignored.
Despite two sub-par Origin performances in the first two matches of the series, To’o’s defeat is still shocking given that he has played 17 consecutive games for the Blues since his debut in 2017. He also had a difficult night in Townsville during the Panthers’ defeat on Saturday.
Manly wrecking ball Haumole Olakau’atu was recalled to the bench after being relegated to 20th man duty in the second leg in Melbourne.
He was excellent against the Melbourne Storm on Saturday night but Manly fans will be wondering if Koula has been left in the lurch, especially given his solid performance in the attack at left center in the second leg. Tom Trbojevic, one of the game’s best players, was not considered.
Best, 24, had scored three tries in two Origin matches; including his unforgettable four-pointer in the Blues’ win at Brisbane in 2024.
His effort to clear a loose ball against Wests Tigers on Sunday, then go up for a brace and finish a try down the field on Sunday was the kind of play Daley would have loved.
Crichton’s recall from right centre, alongside the returning Liam Martin, sees the right edge overhauled after the Maroons had a field day targeting the Blues in Origin II.
Queensland’s impressive 44-24 victory at the MCG leaves the Maroons hot favorites to win a second consecutive series on home soil, while Daley and NSW are chasing one of the biggest upsets in recent Origin history at Suncorp Stadium.
Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses were kept at the offensive base while James Tedesco met the challenge of Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards.
Robson retained his place as starting hooker despite pressure and criticism for a lack of creativity at dummy half, while Cronulla captain Blayke Brailey returned after quickly recovering from a broken arm. Koroisau was sent off for not taking the field at the MCG.
Their winger Mark Nawaqanitawase maintains his place on the right flank, while Manly speedster Tolutau Koula returns to the bench with Best returning from left-centre.
Hudson Young is on the left wing alongside Mitchell Moses and Stephen Crichton, while Haumole Olakau’atu is on the left wing. He regained his place on the bench after a controversial absence from the match.
NSW Blues squad for Origin III
- James Tedesco, 2. Jack Bostock, 3. Bradman, 4.Stephen Crichton, 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 6. Mitchell Moses, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Payne Haas, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Mitch Barnett, 11. Hudson Young 12. Liam Martin, 13. Isaah Yeo (captain). Bench: 14. Cameron Murray, 15. Addin Sorua-Blake, Haumole Olakau’atu, 17. Blayke Brailey, 18. Ethan Strange, 19. Tolutau Koula, 20. Victor Radley
Dan Walsh is sports correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect with: X or email.
