The annual rugby league civil war is officially back, and the team announcements for State of Origin I have already delivered enough drama to fuel a soap opera. Queensland coach Billy Slater and New South Wales boss Laurie Daley have both thrown the conventional playbook out the window, leaving fans and pundits across the globe scratching their heads, or nodding in begrudging respect.
The biggest talking point of the selection room belongs to the Sunshine State. Reece Walsh, the electric fullback who practically electrified the 2023 series and recently guided the Brisbane Broncos to a premiership, has been left out of the Queensland squad completely. Not even a spot on the extended bench. Instead, Slater has recalled Kalyn Ponga to wear the number one jersey.
While Walsh’s club form early in 2026 has been a mixed bag, the decision to drop a player of his calibre entirely is a massive gamble. Slater was quick to offer reassurance, noting his strong relationship with Walsh and insisting the young star is still “getting there” with his consistency. For now, however, Walsh will be watching from the sidelines.
Queensland’s shake-up does not stop there. Roosters playmaker Sam Walker has been handed the halfback reins, replacing the 2025 player of the series, Tom Dearden. Speedster Jojo Fifita earns a spot on the wing due to Valentine Holmes’s dip in form, while the Dolphins’ Max Plath finally gets his moment at lock.
+---------------------------+---------------------------+
| NSW Blues Line-up | QLD Maroons Line-up |
+---------------------------+---------------------------+
| 1. James Tedesco | 1. Kalyn Ponga |
| 2. Brian To'o | 2. Selwyn Cobbo |
| 3. Stephen Crichton | 3. Rob Toia |
| 4. Kotoni Staggs | 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow |
| 5. Tolutau Koula^ | 5. Jojo Fifita^ |
| 6. Mitchell Moses | 6. Cameron Munster (C) |
| 7. Nathan Cleary | 7. Sam Walker^ |
| 8. Addin Fonua-Blake^ | 8. Tom Flegler |
| 9. Reece Robson | 9. Harry Grant |
| 10. Mitch Barnett | 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui |
| 11. Hudson Young | 11. Reuben Cotter |
| 12. Haumole Olakau'atu | 12. Kurt Capewell |
| 13. Isaah Yeo (C) | 13. Max Plath^ |
+---------------------------+---------------------------+
(^ Denotes potential debutant)
South of the border, the Blues have their own redemption arc in motion. Former captain James Tedesco has reclaimed his fullback jersey after being dropped last year for Dylan Edwards.
Daley has injected youth into the squad, naming seven potential debutants. Among them is Manly flyer Tolu Koula on the wing, and Sharks powerhouse Addin Fonua-Blake in the starting pack. Thanks to recent international eligibility rule changes, England international Victor Radley will also make his Blues debut off the bench, despite only managing five club games this year due to suspension.
The heavy reliance on new faces did lead to a minor press conference mishap. When naming his extended bench, Daley accidentally called out former Maroons utility Casey McGuire instead of Penrith rookie Casey McLean. A minor slip, but one that provided a moment of levity in an otherwise intense announcement.
Tactically, the Blues are trying something fresh by pairing Mitchell Moses and Nathan Cleary in the halves. Rather than having one dominate, Daley expects the two natural halfbacks to share the workload, with Moses utilising his dangerous running game in a five-eighth role.
With rookie nerves, high-stakes recalls, and some of the game’s biggest entertainers watching from the couch, Origin I is shaping up to be an absolute blockbuster.
