The State of Origin series is about to get a whole lot more exciting with the new eligibility rules, but who will make the cut for the NSW Blues and QLD Maroons? Brace yourself for some bold predictions and potential surprises!
The Forgotten Enforcer:
With the recent rule changes, the spotlight is on players who were previously overlooked or ineligible. One such player is Addin Fonua-Blake, a New Zealand star who is now eligible for the Blues. His inclusion is a no-brainer, and he'll likely partner with Payne Haas up front, pushing incumbent Max King out of the picture. But here's where it gets controversial: Victor Radley, a former Blues squad member, is a strong contender for the bench due to his versatility and aggressive style. But is his inclusion a sure thing?
New Blood, Old Rivals:
The Blues have six new players to choose from, while the Maroons have three. Among the contenders, James Tedesco and Tom Trbojevic are set to make an impact, replacing Dylan Edwards and Zac Lomax respectively. Mitchell Moses returns from injury, taking over from Jarome Luai. But the real intrigue lies in the newly eligible players. Aside from Fonua-Blake, Phoenix Crossland and Jeremy Marshall-King could wear the Blues jersey with pride, but face stiff competition at their positions.
Maroon Reinforcements:
For the Maroons, New Zealand's Briton Nikora is poised to break into the back row. AJ Brimson is a utility option, but faces stiff competition from Ezra Mam, Kalyn Ponga, and Ben Hunt. Reece Walsh, the incumbent Kangaroos fullback, returns after injury, pushing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to the centres. David Fifita and Nikora form a formidable second-row duo, while Ezra Mam takes on the utility role.
Predicted Lineups:
The predicted NSW Blues team for 2026 features a mix of new and familiar faces: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Brian To'o, 3. Stephen Crichton, 4. Latrell Mitchell, 5. Tom Trbojevic, 6. Mitchell Moses, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Blayke Brailey, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Liam Martin, 12. Angus Crichton, 13. Isaah Yeo (c), 14. Reece Robson, 15. Keaon Koloamatangi, 16. Hudson Young, 17. Mitch Barnett, 18. Victor Radley, 19. Cameron Murray.
Meanwhile, the QLD Maroons lineup is equally impressive: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Xavier Coates, 3. Robert Toia, 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Valentine Holmes, 6. Cameron Munster (c), 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Reuben Cotter, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. David Fifita, 13. Patrick Carrigan, 14. Ezra Mam, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Corey Horsburgh, 17. Jeremiah Nanai, 18. Tom Gilbert, 19. Kalyn Ponga.
And this is the part most people miss: these predictions are just the tip of the iceberg. With the new eligibility rules, the State of Origin series is set to be a thrilling showcase of talent. Will these predictions come to fruition, or will there be unexpected twists and turns? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let the debate begin!
