Rugby league icon Phil Gould has called for significant changes to the way State of Origin teams are unveiled, following two cringeworthy mistakes during the New South Wales Blues' announcement on Monday.
Gould's Call for Change
Gould, one of the greatest coaches in NSW history, has urged that both the Blues and Queensland Maroons teams be announced simultaneously and in a more professional manner than what occurred this week.
His comments come after Blues coach Laurie Daley was left red-faced on Monday morning. Daley accidentally read out the wrong surname for Blues squad member Casey McLean, saying 'Casey McGuire' instead — McGuire being a former Queensland Origin veteran who retired in 2012.
To compound the embarrassment, NSW Rugby League CEO David Trodden, who acted as master of ceremonies alongside Daley, spoke into a dead microphone during the announcement.
Gould's Verdict
'This is a multi-billion dollar game and State of Origin is the pinnacle of it. Can we please do better than that? That was embarrassing,' Gould said on his podcast.
The veteran commentator and former Channel Nine analyst made a straightforward suggestion to improve the process. 'Both coaches should be in one room with the chairman or whoever and the NRL should conduct it,' Gould continued. 'It should be an event and there should be a better and more professional way to do it, other than the way we've done it seemingly forever.'
'We missed some great opportunities. It is done very amateurishly, it always has been,' he added.
Upcoming Series
Game one of the 2026 State of Origin series kicks off next Wednesday, with the Blues facing the Maroons in Sydney. This will be the first Origin clash at the iconic venue since 2015.
Queensland are the current series holders, having won the decider at Accor Stadium last year.
