'Nothing is guaranteed': Laurie Daley's telling selection warning to NSW incumbents as new eligibility rule unlocks stars

Laurie Daley has warned NSW Blues incumbents their spot on the team for 2026 is not guaranteed, hinting some new faces could be called into the squad.

Coming off the back of a series defeat, and with a change to the eligibility rules that puts new contenders in the frame, Daley has made it clear form will be prioritised above reputation.

Under the revised eligibility criteria, a player can represent either NSW or Queensland if they were either born or resided in the state prior to their 13th birthday, or the player's father played in the Origin arena.

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The change has divided the NRL world, with some fearing the meaning of representing the state jersey may not be the same for these newly eligible players.

Jahrome Hughes, who is now eligible to play for Queensland under the new rules, admitted he will not represent the Maroons as he does not have the same passion about the jersey as others vying for positions.

Daley, who is in favour of the revised rules, was proud to hear Hughes' honest admission about wearing the Queensland jersey, recognising that it was the "correct decision" to ensure the standard and passion that comes with wearing a state jersey stays alive.

It is for that reason that he will be conducting his own conversations with players who are now eligible to learn if they are worthy of representing the NSW Blues jersey.

"I will have a sit-down and chat with them about Origin to see if they are passionate and committed to putting on the Blues jersey," he told 2GB's Wide World of Sports.

"If that is the case, then they will be up there for selection. That is what we want, people who really want to play.

"In (Hughes') heart, he knew (it wasn't for him) and also in his mind. For me, that is always a key indicator (to look for).

"If these players who are available now are definitely committed to representing NSW and doing what we require from them, being to bleed blue for the state, then we want them.

"It is not about 'State of Origin is a great event, and I want to tick the box, play on that stage'. You want them to really feel like they are representing something with a lot of passion and responsibility."

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Addin Fonua-Blake and Victor Radley were two players Daley knows are eligible for his squad, with Casey Mclean, Isaiya Katoa and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak all also available.

But those stars will have to wait a little longer to learn if they are even on Daley's radar.

"Where I am at at this stage, it is a really busy time for the players, so I am trying to stay out of their faces as much as I possibly can," he said.

"Once a month or maybe five to six weeks into the season (has gone by), you really start to have some dialogue with them."

With a new cohort of players now entering the selection mix, the battle for spots is only set to intensify for both Daley and Maroons coach Billy Slater.

But the NSW Blues coach has warned that no player who donned the sky blue jersey last year is guaranteed to retain their spot in 2026.

"When you are winning, you can always rely on the fact that you can trust players to get the job done. Losing two games in a row puts pressure on everyone," Daley said.

"I've explained to the players that everyone will go back to the starting blocks, nothing is guaranteed.

"You like to be loyal and be able to reward players for what they have done in the past, but when you lose two in a row, there is a shift and you need to be playing well. If you are not playing well, just because you played last year doesn't mean you'll be back.

"I want to see competition for spots this year. Those players who are playing well will be deserving of their spots."

Away from the playing group, Daley gave an update about those in his coaching staff.

It was reported by Wide World of Sports' the Mole that Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy was poised to stand down from his role as NSW Blues coaching advisor.

Daley admitted nothing is set in stone as of yet but it is likely Bellamy will not return.

"I've left Craig alone. He has a lot on his plate," he said.

"There will always be a position while I am coach for Craig Bellamy to join us, but at this stage, he is focused on the Melbourne Storm.

"At this stage it is unlikely (he will be back), but you never say never."

The first game of the 2026 State of Origin series will kick off on Wednesday, May 27.