State of Origin Teams Drop as Big Calls Shake Up Both Sides

The State of Origin team lists are finally in and there are a few names that have already split opinion.

New South Wales have gone with experience in key spots, while Queensland have backed several players despite mixed club form through the opening month of the season. With 11 rounds of NRL already played, selectors had enough footy to work with, which makes some of these calls even more interesting.

The Blues probably look slightly stronger on form heading into Game 1, but Origin rarely stays that simple for long.

The biggest talking point for New South Wales is the return of James Tedesco at fullback.

Penrith Panthers Dylan Edwards misses out despite another strong start to the year, while Mitchell Moses joins Nathan Cleary in the halves. Kotoni Staggs also earns a recall after a powerful opening third of the season for Brisbane.

There was also plenty of discussion around Tom Trbojevic missing, but the Blues selectors have clearly leaned towards players they trust defensively and physically for Origin footy.

The inclusion of Tolutau Koula from Manly Sea Eagles on the wing raised eyebrows initially given he has spent little time there, but his speed and ball-running form have been impossible to ignore early this season.

Up front, the Blues pack has plenty of aggression with Cronulla's Addin Fonua-Blake, Mitch Barnett and Hudson Young all rewarded for strong starts to 2026.

Queensland’s side feels a little riskier.

Newcastle Knights captain Kalyn Ponga gets the nod at fullback ahead of Reece Walsh, while Sam Walker earns a shot in the halves after leading the Sydney Roosters to a top 3 ladder placing after 11 weeks of footy. Harry Grant and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui remain automatic selections, even if neither has fully hit top gear yet this season.

The Maroons have also stuck solid with several players whose club form has been questioned through the opening rounds.

Thomas Flegler’s inclusion surprised plenty of people given his slow return from injury, while Selwyn Cobbo’s struggles under the high ball could become an area New South Wales target heavily.

One selection that did earn praise was the Dolphins Max Plath at lock. Queensland clearly want mobility through the middle rather than simply loading up on size.

On paper, the Blues probably look slightly more settled heading into Game 1.

Queensland still have the Origin aura and history behind them, but New South Wales appear to have more players arriving in genuine form after the opening five rounds of the NRL season.

That said, Origin has never really cared about club form for long. Queensland have spent two decades proving that.