'Most important players to pick': How new bench rules will reshape Origin
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The introduction of new interchange rules is set to have the biggest impact on State of Origin in recent memory as both sides navigate the strategic challenges of picking a six-man bench.
The changes threaten to alter the dynamic of the entire series, with selection calls and in-game strategic choices likely to have a big impact on the outcome of all three games.
The first 10 rounds of the NRL season have provided a window into the different approaches to the six-man bench, with some coaches prioritising flexibility and others opting to name specialist backups in key positions to cover for injuries.
NSW coach Laurie Daley revealed this week he will opt for a mix of versatility and specialisation to ensure all bases are covered during the match.
"Flexibility is the key now with six men on the bench," Daley said. "You've got to have an outside back on the bench so we'll be picking someone on the bench who can play in the outside backs.
"I'm pretty comfortable we'll go with two hookers. Without committing 100%, that's where our head's at. That's what we want to do, so unless someone can convince me otherwise on the weekend, I'm pretty confident going down that path."
When building a six-man bench, coaches are working to ensure as many positions as possible are covered.
Across the six positions will be players who can step into the outside backs, a back-up half, two middle forwards, an edge forward and a hooker.
The permutations, however, vary depending on the players available to you.
While club coaches are constrained by the 30 players in the squad, Origin selectors could be overwhelmed by choice. Ultimately every decision comes with a trade off.
Do you want multiple players who can only play one position each or players who can step into a variety of roles.
Daley's desire to pick a specialist hooker on the bench means there likely won't be room for Connor Watson, a utility who can spend time at dummy half, lock and in the halves.
Ethan Strange could bring an X-factor off the bench, but he is primarily a five-eighth. Matt Burton, on the other hand, is a proven performer in the halves and centres, while Hugo Savala has emerged as a bolter due to his recent performances in the centres for the Roosters.
If Reece Walsh is named for the Maroons at fullback, Kalyn Ponga will likely be selected in the No.14 jumper. A fullback himself, the Knight can step into the halves or play in the middle but he's not an outside back or pure hooker.
Billey Slater must decide if there is space for Ponga, a back-up dummy half and another outside back. In making that choice, the coach will weigh up the ability of his forwards to play big minutes if needed.
Patience around selections key for Slater
Maroons legend Sam Thaiday believes Ponga's versatility gives the selectors more flexibility with the makeup of their bench and expects that to work in Queensland's favour come game day.
"I've always thought in Origin and international footy the people you pick on the bench are the most important players you have to pick," Thaiday told NRL.com. "1-13 look after themselves, they're the players in the best form, but on the bench you have to be strategic and cover all bases.
"We're seeing our game is faster and smaller forwards have become a big part of our game. You've got to have good leg speed through the middle.
"In the past Queensland have used in the No.14 jersey a player who can come on and play through the middle of the field. We've seen Kalyn Ponga do it in the past, Walsh can do it as well.
"I believe both players will be selected. The form KP's been in has been fantastic and he deserves a position in the Queensland team. Walsh, being the incumbent, he's had some injuries this year but when he turns it on we know what he can bring. Either one of those guys has enough talent to cover the outside backs and play in the middle."
While six-man benches provide the coaches with more flexibility leading up to the series opener, they add a new strategic dynamic during the match.
With only four of the six able to step on to the field, deciding when to activate each player could be crucial to the final result.
It should also ensure teams aren't left stranded with players defending out of position.
NSW fans with long memories don't need to be reminded of Game 2, 2023, when injuries saw Damien Cook forced to defend in the centres for 77 minutes. Queensland won the match 32-6.
Maroons v Blues – Game 2, 2023
Then-Blues coach Brad Fittler would have loved the ability to activate a specialist outside back off the bench on that night and said the changes simplify the decision-making process for coaches.
"The changes take some pressure off the coaches," Fittler told NRL.com. "One of the biggest things for coaches, especially in Origin, is being able to allow for every position.
"Trying to cover hooker, halfback, wing spots is difficult when you also need to cover front rowers who need replacements because of their work rates. Versatility looks a little different now."
While injuries are a key factor, the rapid-fire pace of rugby league in 2026 is also a key consideration for selectors.
Origin is typically a physical game where big men dominate but the rise of set restarts means fitness and speed are key, particularly when fatigue is at its peak late in each half.
That brings a player like Cam Murray into the picture, a versatile forward who can play in the middle and on the edge and thrives when given the chance to produce a quick play the ball to put his team on the front foot.
For Queensland, Kurt Mann plays a similar role for the Bulldogs and thrived when handed a debut by Slater during last year's series.
Yeo confident middle men can thrive despite pain of losing Haas
While it remains to be seen how closely the Origin opener will resemble a club game, Daley will be picking players based on how much their playing style suits modern rugby league.
"The way we play won't change, but the way we select might," the Blues coach said.
"You're looking at big players versus smaller players. how many big blokes do you go with? How many guys do you go with who have more ability to cover the ground better than some of the powerful blokes?
"That's all something we're looking at. If you carry four front rowers or three front rowers and carry extra lighter blokes on the bench who can play longer minutes. All those things have been discussed, we won't lock it in until Sunday night but all things are on the table."
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