The Mole: Blues Need to Show Courage and Drop Three Players for Origin Decider, Including Star Hooker

The moment has arrived for Laurie Daley and the NSW selectors to get serious and select the Blues squad based on form for the upcoming Origin decider in Sydney next Wednesday.

Reflecting on the series so far, the Blues were fairly mediocre in Game 1 and managed to secure a win against a Queensland outfit that essentially stumbled over themselves.

In Game 2, they paid dearly for their lack of discipline; despite a strong finish, they failed to overcome a fired-up Queensland team and were hindered by a staggering 12-2 penalty count.

Everything hinges on the next match, and adjustments must be made to avoid losing the series.

First and foremost, they need to find a hooker who can compete with Harry Grant, who redeemed himself after a poor performance in Game 1 with an outstanding display in Perth.

Reece Robson may be a tough defensive player capable of holding the middle ground, but he lacks the creativity that Grant brings from dummy half.

Veteran Api Koroisau would be an ideal choice, showcasing the speed and skill necessary to compete effectively with Harry Grant.

Although his defence has come under scrutiny at times, he rose to the occasion last weekend by leading the Tigers’ tackle count and has displayed solid form in an inconsistent line-up.

Moreover, the Blues have missed a ‘fear factor’ up front throughout the series.

This is where I would propose a dual change, introducing South Sydney powerhouse Keaon Koloamatangi and out-of-favour Tiger Terrell May.

Queensland seems more than comfortable facing off against Stefano Utoikamanu and Max King in the forward battle, which is precisely why NSW must shake things up.

On current form, Koloamatangi should have been one of the initial selections.

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Koloamatangi has led the Rabbitohs pack all season, amassing 232 metres in last weekend’s wet conditions against the Storm.

When comparing Koloamatangi’s stats to Max King’s 25 minutes for just 47 metres in Perth, the decision on who to start in the decider becomes quite clear.

King is a reliable first-grader, but he lacks the impactful presence needed at Origin level at this stage in his career.

Pairing Koloamatangi with the Broncos powerhouse Payne Haas will make it a challenge for the Maroons to contain the Blues offense.

As for Utoikamanu’s selection, it baffles me. He recorded only five carries for 41 metres in Perth and failed to make an impression.

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Placing May on the bench would see him bring energy to the field when he’s thrust into action—exactly what Queensland would not want to face.

Although he may be overlooked by the crucial decision-makers, he would certainly make my cut every single time.

The backline clicked in the second half in Perth, and I wouldn’t advocate for any changes, provided Nathan Cleary overcomes his groin issue.

THE MOLE’S NSW BLUES 17 FOR ORIGIN III

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Brian To’o

3. Stephen Crichton

4. Latrell Mitchell

5. Zac Lomax

6. Jarome Luai

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Keaon Koloamatangi

9. Api Koroisau

10. Payne Haas

11. Liam Martin

12. Angus Crichton

13. Isaah Yeo

14. Connor Watson

15. Spencer Leniu

16. Hudson Young

17. Terrell May