The Roosters fullback earned a recall after a brilliant 2025 season and strong start to 2026. The 33-year-old has not featured for the Blues since he was dropped for Game 1 of the 2024 series, only to be recalled after Edwards was injured during training. His uncharacteristically quiet performance against the Cowboys at Magic Round wasn’t enough to change Daley’s mind, given the nod over Edwards. It is a brutal blow for the Panthers fullback, who has always impressed at Origin level and hardly put
a foot wrong this season. While Josh Addo-Carr, Campbell Graham and Jack Bostock all were overlooked for the vacant wing spot. With wingers Jacob Kiraz and Mark Nawaqanitawase sidelined with long-term injuries, Daley was expected to turn to a specialist winger, but instead has landed on Manly centre Tolu Koula. In another shock Panthers centre Casey McLean has earned a spot on the extended bench, alongside Ethan Strange and Blayke Brailey, with Conor Watson overlooked entirely. There were no surprises at centre, with Stephen Crichton
and Kotoni Staggs named, with the latter a clear cut choice after Latrell Mitchell was ruled out with injury on Sunday. While Mitch Moses and Nathan Cleary will team-up in the halves. It means only three backs will retain their spots from NSW’s Game 3 defeat last year, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton and Cleary. While several players were axed entirely, including Edwards, Jarome Luai, Max King, Connor Watson, Stefano Utoikamanu and Spencer Leniu. Yet the shocks don’t end there, with Tri Colours enforcer Victor Radley
earning a spot in the squad alongside Newcastle pair Dylan Lucas and Jacob Saifiti. While the in-form Jackson Ford has failed to win a spot in Daley’s team. NSW team for Origin 1: 1. James Tedesco 2. Brian To’o 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Kotoni Staggs 5. Tolutau Koula (debut) 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Addin Fonua-Blake (debut) 9. Reece Robson 10. Mitch Barnett 11. Hudson Young 12. Haumole Olakau’atu 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Cameron Murray 15. Victor Radley (debut) 16. Jacob Saifiti 17.
Blayke Brailey (debut) 18. Ethan Strange (debut) 19. Casey McLean (debut) 20. Dylan Lucas (debut)
Origin 1 NSW team, Edwards dropped, Brad Daley selection, Magic Round Cowboys, Tolu Koula debut, Victor Radley debut