James Tedesco’s State of Origin exile is over, with the Sydney Roosters captain recalled to the New South Wales Blues for the 2026 series opener against Queensland on May 27 in Sydney. The 33-year-old fullback has been selected ahead of Dylan Edwards, who started all three games in last year’s losing series.
Blues coach Laurie Daley described the decision as the toughest selection call he had to make, but Tedesco’s outstanding form for the Roosters—six tries and eight try assists in 10 games this season—proved impossible to ignore. Game one will mark Tedesco’s 24th Blues appearance and his first since the opening game of the 2024 series.
Six debutants named for NSW
Daley has handed debuts to six players: Manly flyer Tolu Koula, Roosters lock Victor Radley, and Cronulla duo Addin Fonua-Blake and Blayke Brailey. Fonua-Blake and Radley previously represented New Zealand and England in Test football but are now eligible for Origin due to a change in eligibility rules. Koula is named on the wing alongside Brian To’o, with Kotoni Staggs and Stephen Crichton in the centres, tasked with filling the void left by Latrell Mitchell, who withdrew due to a back injury.
Uncapped Canberra’s Ethan Strange and Penrith’s Casey McLean are on the bench alongside Radley, Cameron Murray, and recalled Jacob Saifiti. The rest of the side is as expected: Nathan Cleary partners Mitchell Moses in the halves, and Reece Robson is at hooker.
Queensland names six debutants, omits Reece Walsh
The Maroons have retained 11 players from last year’s series-deciding 24-12 win in Sydney, while introducing six debutants. Sydney Roosters playmaker Sam Walker will wear the No. 7 jersey for the first time, joining Dolphins lock Max Plath and Gold Coast winger Jojo Fifita as new starters. Cronulla forward Briton Nikora (No. 14) and Brisbane No. 6 Ezra Mam (No. 18) are on the bench, with Dolphins powerhouse Kulikefu Finefeuiaki as 20th man.
The omission of Broncos and Australia fullback Reece Walsh, who has been below his best recently, is a surprise. Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga, with a strong Origin pedigree, takes the No. 1 jersey. Walker has been likened to a modern-day Allan Langer for his unpredictability and brilliance, and the Maroons believe he is ready to shine at halfback after Tom Dearden suffered a syndesmosis injury.
Thomas Flegler returns after 677 days sidelined with a shoulder nerve issue, bringing his uncompromising style upfront. Fifita has excelled since moving from wing to centre, while Selwyn Cobbo returns on the wing after a strong month. Plath’s versatility earned him the starting lock role after a stellar display against South Sydney.
Teams for Game 1
NSW Blues: James Tedesco, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Kotoni Staggs, Tolu Koula*, Mitchell Moses, Nathan Cleary, Addin Fonua-Blake, Reece Robson, Mitch Barnett, Hudson Young, Haumole Olakau’atu, Isaah Yeo (capt). Interchange: Cameron Murray, Victor Radley*, Jacob Saifiti, Blayke Brailey*, Ethan Strange*, Casey McLean*. Reserve: Dylan Lucas*.
Queensland Maroons: 1. Kalyn Ponga, 2. Selwyn Cobbo, 3. Robert Toia, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Reuben Cotter, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Max Plath, 14. Briton Nikora, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Pat Carrigan, 17. Trent Loiero, 18. Ezra Mam, 19. Gehamat Shibasaki, 20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.
