Laurie Daly suggested the NRL was no longer suited to forwards like Brian To’o, explaining his country of origin decisions with raised eyebrows.
The NSW coach stunned the rugby league world by removing To’o, who has been a NSW stalwart since his Origin debut in 2021, in the third game.
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Daly named Jack Bostock on the wing as his replacement, choosing the Dolphins flyer to make his Origin debut at Suncorp Stadium.
The decision sparked widespread debate, but Daly said during a press conference on Monday that Bostock was simply better suited to the modern game.
โNot that high, but we were looking at another option with the ball in the air to attack,โ Daly said.
โThere are a lot more contested possessions in todayโs game, so you have to be able to get off the ground and catch the ball.โ
The Dolphins star is 194cm tall and the 180cm To’o jumped over Jojo Fifita twice in the second game.
Centers Kotoni Staggs and Tolu Cole were also replaced by Stephen Crichton and Knights center Bradman Best.
Crichton missed Origin 2 with a shoulder injury but will return to action at Suncorp Stadium.
Liam Martin also returns to the Blues line-up after injury, Api Koroisau is ruled out of the squad and Daly remains with Isa Yeo despite calls for Cam Murray to start at number 13.
Mitch Moses is struggling for the Eels but retains his place at five-eighth despite calls from Ethan Strange to start.
Daly also backtracked on his decision to take Haumole Olacauata out after remembering the Manly star in game three.
The boisterous back-rower was elite in the Sea Eagles’ win over the Storm, crossing for two tries. But Daley says he wasn’t recalled because of his performance.
โNot really,โ he said when asked if his job demolishing the Storm earned him a return to the team.
โWe spoke to Haumole when he couldn’t play in the second game about what we were looking for and since then he’s come back and played well for his club and done what we asked him to do – it’s more about that.
โThese conversations are private. If Homole wants to tell you, he can tell you, but as a coach I wouldnโt want to do that.โ
“He knew where we were and what we needed to see. It was a good response on his part and he handled it very well.”
As for his teammate, star defenseman Tom Trbojevic, Daley said he’s not really under consideration.
โWe talked about Turbo, but we just felt like the other boys were the best option at this stage,โ Daly said.
Laurie Daly responds to criticism
Daley also responded to criticism he received for some questionable selection decisions and thanked those who supported him.
โI think any time you face any kind of criticism in this role, I totally understand and understand it,โ the Blues coach said.
“Nobody likes criticism, but I understand it comes and happens. I’ll get into some of the comments on that after Game 3, but it’s great to have support because everyone needs it from time to time.”
“It’s always great to have support because it’s a lonely place at times. Having people supporting you and being in your corner gives you confidence and a lot of faith and you know you have people behind you, which is good to know.”
โMany of our former players support us, and we know that we have a lot of government support behind us, and our players feel and know that.โ
NSW Blues in game three:
1. James Tedesco
2. Jack Bostock
3. Bradman Best
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Mark Navaganitawase
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Payne Haas
9. Rhys Robson
10. Mitchell Barnett
11. Hudson Young
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaiah Yeo
14. Cameron Murray
15. Addin Fonua-Blake
16. Haumole Olacauatu
17. Blake Braley
18. Ethan Strange
19. Tolutau Cole
20. Victor Radley