The five selections that will define Daley’s coaching legacy

Updated June 29, 2026 — 12:22pm,first published June 29, 2026 — 8:56am

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Brian To’o’s exposure under the bright lights and Queensland’s aerial assault. Rekindling the old Panthers right edge to combat the Maroons’ biggest attacking threat. A play-making spine under increasing pressure.

Laurie Daley gave enough and kept more to himself on Monday morning when he fronted the cameras and microphones, though he refused to entertain suggestions he was doing so for the last time as NSW coach.

And under a small mountain of criticism, Daley hinted at keeping receipts on the commentary about his coaching as he explained five critical team changes ahead of a legacy-defining 80 minutes in next the Origin decider on July 8.

Why To’o was dropped and Bostock was backed in

Daley’s decision to drop To’o – the best winger of his generation – after 17 consecutive Origin games ranks as one of the biggest calls of his coaching career.

The selection of Dolphins flyer Jack Bostock on the left wing outside Bradman Best makes for an untried combination, and for Bostock, an Origin baptism of fire.

To’o’s small stature – his listed height of 182cm has long been disputed – has always been a perceived target for rival kickers, but Penrith and NSW have typically managed to protect him by pairing him with tall centres and getting teammates to provide an “escort” to make life more difficult for chasers.

But Queensland’s halves, Sam Walker and Cameron Munster, have managed to exploit him this series with cross-field kicks – most notably when Jojo Fifita soared over him at the MCG.

Uncharacteristic errors in Origin I, and a career-high average of one mistake a game for the Panthers this year, have To’o “down on confidence” in Daley’s eyes,........

© The Sydney Morning Herald