The five changes Laurie Daley needs to make to win Origin III

June 18, 2026 — 5:00am

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Melbourne: NSW coach Laurie Daley said he wanted to review Wednesday night’s Melbourne horror show before sitting down and working out what changes might be needed to win the Origin series.

The Blues coach knows there will be plenty of debate about which players he should pick – and flick – for the July 8 decider at Suncorp Stadium.

TV commentators started the debate before the full-time whistle had even been blown at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

If Daley and the Blues are any hope of winning the series on enemy turf on July 8, here are five selection and positional changes he should consider.

Starting Cameron Murray

The South Sydney skipper started on the bench again, but needs to start at lock, with captain Isaah Yeo moved into the front row.

Murray has an enormous engine and no problems punching out 80 minutes. He also has one of the quickest play-the-balls in the game, which would help with the Blues’ go-forward at the start of games.

Daley has repeatedly said he likes Murray coming off the bench because of the energy he brings, but Murray needs to be there from the opening minutes, and there is the perfect blend of footy smarts and........

© Brisbane Times