Matty Johns believes Laurie Daley could still spring a late change before State of Origin Game 1, with Stephen Crichton shifted to the wing and debutant Tolu Koula moved into the centres. Johns made the call on SEN radio on Friday, saying he thought NSW would want size on the wing to help defuse Queensland bombs.
“I think they will [move Crichton to wing], they need size on the wing to defuse bombs,” Johns said, adding: “On the wing I am unsure about [Koula], I just have a sense he will move into the centres.” Daley has already named Koula on the wing in the Blues squad, while Crichton stays at centre after Latrell Mitchell was ruled out. The call has left the shape of NSW’s backline under scrutiny just days before kick-off.
Johns also floated Knights second-rower Dylan Lucas as another possible option, although Lucas has been named as 20th man and can only be used in an emergency on game day. Penrith youngster Casey McLean has been named in the 19 to cover the outside backs, giving NSW a backup option if Daley does choose to move pieces around before the series opener.
The selection of Koula on the wing raised eyebrows because the Manly centre is unfamiliar with that role at NRL level, and Queensland winger Selwyn Cobbo has the size advantage if the matchup stays as picked. Johns said NSW has gone with a quick side and suggested that could pay off if six-agains are enforced the way they have been in club football. He also warned that if Game 1 slows down, Queensland’s bigger forward pack could be the side better suited to grind through it.
The tension in the Blues camp comes from how close the squad has stayed to its original shape. NSW began camp on Wednesday, and Crichton did not train with the side at the start after taking it lightly. That left room for speculation about whether Daley would keep his centre pair intact or use the hours before Game 1 to reshuffle the outside backs.
McLean, 20, offered a more personal reaction to his inclusion in the extended squad, saying: “Emotions kind of overtook me,” and: “I didn't have any words left in me, and then I kind of saw Mum and Dad and broke.” For a player still on the edge of the final team, his presence in the 19 underlines how quickly the origin picture can change once injuries and late calls begin to bite.
For NSW, the next decision is not abstract. It is whether Daley trusts Koula to hold the wing, shifts Crichton wider, or waits until game day to use one of the emergency options already on hand. Johns thinks a switch is coming, and the closer Game 1 gets, the more the Blues have to decide if they want speed, size, or a little of both.
