The moment that sealed Blues star’s fate in surprise axing
Laurie Daley has explained his decision to axe Panthers winger Brian To’o for the State of Origin decider, replacing him with debutant Jack Bostock.
To’o has been a staple of the NSW Blues team since making his debut five years ago, winning the Brad Fittler Medal in the 2023 and 2025 series.
Brian To'o has not missed a Blues game since his debut. Getty
However, in the first two games of this campaign, To’o has become a clear target under the high ball, which the Maroons have exploited numerous times.
As a result, Daley has made the decision to bring in young gun Bostock for the crunch decider at Suncorp Stadium due to his ability in the air.
Speaking to media on Monday morning about his selections, the under-siege Blues coach admitted the side needed something different out wide.
“We just felt like we needed to make that change,” Daley said.
“Jack is a different type of player to Brian, so there will be aspects of Brian’s game that obviously we will miss ... but Jack brings something a bit different.
“Not so much [being] tall, but it’s a different option we were looking at with the ball in the air to attack with. With the game today, there’s so many more contested possessions, so you’ve gotta be able to get off the ground and catch the ball.
“We feel as though it will give us an advantage when we go to Suncorp, but you never like making those phone calls, because they’re always tough.”
Bostock stands at 194cm, while To’o is only 182cm – pint-sized for a modern-day winger.
Other Blues changes for game three include the return of Bradman Best and Stephen Crichton, who make up a new-look centre pairing with Tolu Koula shifting to the bench and Kotoni Staggs axed from the NSW squad.
Haumole Olakau’atu will be looking to make an impact in Brisbane after getting the nod to start on the bench following his shock game two axing.
Daley refused to explain what led to his call to drop Olakau’atu but did say the Manly wrecking ball had shown enough in the past fortnight to warrant a spot.
Haumole Olakau'atu has earned a NSW recall. Getty Images
“We spoke to Haumole when he didn’t make game two about what we were looking for and since then, he’s gone back and played well for his club and done what we’ve asked him to do - it’s more about that,” he said.
“Those conversations are private - if Haumole wants to tell you, he can tell you - but as a coach, I wouldn’t like to do that.
“He knew where we were and what we needed to see. It’s been a good response from him and he’s handled it really well.”
Mitchell Moses has retained the No.6 jersey from Ethan Strange, while back-rower Liam Martin returns to bring aggression in the forward pack.
NSW Blues game three squad
1. James Tedesco 2. Jack Bostock 3. Bradman Best 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Payne Haas 9. Reece Robson 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Hudson Young 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Cameron Murray 15. Addin Fonua-Blake 16. Haumole Olakau’atu 17. Blayke Brailety 18. Ethan Strange 19. Tolu Koula 20. Victor Radley
