NSW Blues head coach Laurie Daley has confirmed his squad for Game 3 of the 2026 State of Origin series in Brisbane, with a number of changes locked in.

After a shambolic lead up to Game 2, which saw Stephen Crichton replaced within hours of the team being named, and his replacement Casey McLean replaced days out from kick-off, Daley has elected to recall Crichton, as well as handing a debut to Jack Bostock, and bring Bradman Best into the side.

Tolutau Koula has been dropped to the bench, and Brian To'o misses the side altogether in what may be the biggest shock, while Kotoni Staggs has also been dropped.

The other big point of contention appeared to be in the halves, with Mitchell Moses selected for Game 1, then injuring his hamstring and being replaced by Ethan Strange.

Despite the Raiders star playing the house down in Sydney, Strange was sent back to the bench for Game 2, with Moses returning to the run-on side at five-eighth alongside Nathan Cleary.

Daley has gone with Moses to once again partner Cleary, while Strange remains on the bench.

In other news, Liam Martin earns a call up to the second-row after injury robbed him of a chance to feature in the first two games, with Haumole Olakau'atu returning after being dropped for Game 2, but only on the bench.

Dylan Lucas been dropped from the side.

Loading matchup…

Despite calls for Cameron Murray to start, he remains on the bench with Isaah Yeo to start at lock, while Blayke Brailey returns for Apisai Koroisau.

With Martin and Olakau'atu both in the side, Victor Radley drops out to 20th man after plenty of poor discipline in Melbourne.

Game 3 will be played on Wednesday, July 8, with kick-off set for 8:05pm (AEST) at Suncorp Stadium.

NSW Blues team for Game 3

1. James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)
2. Jack Bostock (The Dolphins)
3. Bradman Best (Newcastle Knights)
4. Stephen Crichton (Canterbury Bulldogs)
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase (Sydney Roosters)
6. Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels)
7. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
8. Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)
9. Reece Robson (Sydney Roosters)
10. Mitchell Barnett (New Zealand Warriors)
11. Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)
12. Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers)
13. Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)

Interchange
14. Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
15. Addin Fonua-Blake (Cronulla Sharks)
16. Haumole Olakau'atu (Manly Sea Eagles)
17. Blayke Brailey (Cronulla Sharks)
18. Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders)
19. Tolutau Koula (Manly Sea Eagles)

Reserve
20. Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters)

4 COMMENTS

  2. My team would be:
    1. James Tedesco
    2. Brian To’o
    3. Kotoni Staggs
    4. Stephen Crichton
    5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
    6. Ethan Strange
    7. Nathan Cleary
    8. Isaah Yeo
    9. Reece Robson
    10. Payne Haas
    11. Hudson Young
    12. Haumole Olakau’atu
    13. Cameron Murray
    14. Blayke Brailey
    15. Dylan Lucas
    16. Addin Fonua-Blake
    17. Liam Martin
    18. Mitchell Moses
    19. Tolutau Koula

  3. This is an AI team from Grok:
    My NSW Team for Game 3
    1. Dylan Edwards (Fullback) – Leading the league in run metres; elite yardage, support play, and consistency. Better pure stats than Tedesco right now.d6609b
    2. Brian To’o (Wing) – Proven Origin performer with power and finishing.
    3. Stephen Crichton (Centre) – Big-game experience, strong carries, and reliability (even if not at absolute peak).
    4. Bradman Best (Centre) – Size, defence, and strong club form for a bruising matchup at Suncorp.
    5. Mark Nawaqanitawase (Wing) – Speed, metres, and try threat; has shown well in Origin.
    6. Ethan Strange (Five-Eighth) – Dynamic runner and creator in strong club form; adds spark alongside Cleary (preferred over Moses for upside in a decider).8e2d3c
    7. Nathan Cleary (Halfback, Captain) – Undisputed leader; elite kicking, control, and big-moment plays. Lock.135f67
    8. Payne Haas (Prop) – Dominant middle forward; power and workload.
    9. Reece Robson (Hooker) – Solid service and defence; consistent.
    10. Addin Fonua-Blake (Prop) – Massive metres and impact (eligible and in form).fccf85
    11. Hudson Young (Second Row) – Tackling machine and edge presence.
    12. Haumole Olakau’atu (Second Row) – Wrecking ball in recent club games; huge carries and post-contact metres.bbc2e9
    13. Isaah Yeo (Lock) – Leadership, metres, and glue in the middle.
    Interchange:
    14. Cameron Murray – Versatility and toughness.
    15. Mitch Barnett – Reliable prop/edge; strong form.a8f773
    16. Jackson Ford – In-form middle forward (high metres/tackles).12ac64
    17. Blayke Brailey – Hooker utility and spark off the bench.
    Reserves/18th Man: Tom Trbojevic (if fully fit—X-factor and size), Liam Martin, Victor Radley (impact), or Tolu Koula (versatility).ebf1c6