Daley’s new Blues have a rocks-or-diamonds feel. One player sums that up

May 18, 2026 — 3:29pm

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With potentially 10 debutants, the first Origin match of this year’s series will have a fresh look. Both coaches have also gone for speed and mobility, so at the very least, as a spectacle, it won’t feel same-old, same-old.

Kieran Foran might have done Laurie Daley a favour by getting him to watch Manly games more closely. Haumole Olakau’atu is being called the NRL’s outstanding forward this year, but he’s been playing this way for the past three seasons, when Manly’s offensive plan has often boiled down to “Give it to Haumole”.

Tolu Koula was Manly’s best player in 2025, and is in the Stephen Crichton-Herbie Farnworth echelon of star centres in the game. In saying that, playing him out of position on the wing, when wing is becoming such a critical and specialised spot rather than just the guy who hangs out with footballers, is brave.

Daley gets his McGuires crossed

The new Origin eligibility rules are confusing enough without Daley naming “Casey........

© The Sydney Morning Herald