NSW favourites as State of Origin selection springs surprises galore

William Demamp
May 17, 2026
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NSW bookies elect for Origin 1, with both teams making surprise selection calls

New South Wales coach Laurie Daley has made a series of bombshell selection calls for State of Origin Game 1, recalling James Tedesco at fullback and axing incumbent No.1 Dylan Edwards in one of the most controversial Blues team announcements in recent memory.

Daley unveiled a radically reshaped NSW side featuring seven fresh faces, with fans and pundits immediately reacting to the omission of Edwards despite the Penrith star’s consistently strong Origin performances and dominant club form.

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Tedesco returns to the Blues setup after being dropped ahead of the 2024 series opener, with Daley backing the veteran Roosters captain’s experience for the series opener.

The Blues have also gambled on several unconventional selections, including naming Manly centre Tolutau Koula on the wing, while Victor Radley and Jacob Saifiti were recalled in decisions that sparked fierce debate online.

Queensland coach Billy Slater also delivered a major shock by dropping superstar fullback Reece Walsh entirely from the Maroons squad. Walsh’s omission comes after inconsistent form at club level, with Kalyn Ponga preferred at the back and Roosters halfback Sam Walker handed a debut in the No.7 jersey.

Queensland enter the 2026 series as defending champions after winning last year’s Origin series 2-1, including a 24-12 victory in the decider after edging NSW 26-24 in Game 2.

Despite the sweeping changes, Australian betting sites have installed NSW as favourites for the series opener, with the Blues priced at 1.57 with Queensland at 2.40.

The line market has opened with NSW favoured by 4.5 points, while total match points sit at 42.5 as punters prepare for one of the most anticipated Origin openers in years.

NSW Blues

  1. James Tedesco
  2. Brian To’o
  3. Stephen Crichton
  4. Kotoni Staggs
  5. Tolutau Koula
  6. Mitchell Moses
  7. Nathan Cleary
  8. Addin Fonua-Blake
  9. Reece Robson
  10. Mitch Barnett
  11. Hudson Young
  12. Haumole Olakau’atu
  13. Isaah Yeo

Interchange: Cameron Murray, Victor Radley, Jacob Saifiti, Blayke Brailey

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

Interchange: Briton Nikora, Trent Loiero, Lindsay Collins, Patrick Carrigan

Author William Demamp

Born in Ontario, Canada, William is one of the founders of the World Gambling List and an experienced professional punter. Specialising in sports betting, William has a special spot in his heart for NFL, ice hockey and football.

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