Sharing club secrets is a big part of Origin preparations. But there are limits

June 16, 2026 — 9:31am

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The Blues and Maroons dined at Melbourne restaurants five kilometres apart on Monday night, but they may as well have sat at adjacent tables in the same establishment, such is the inside knowledge they have about each other.

In the 47 years of State of Origin, it is unlikely the competing teams have ever had as much awareness of each other’s strengths, vulnerabilities and potential tactics as they approach the second game of the series at the MCG on Wednesday night.

NSW captain Isaah Yeo agrees, saying, “We play against each other and with each other in NRL clubland, so there’s not too much we don’t know about each other.”

NRL head coaches are banned from taking charge of Origin teams, but their assistants are not. They are able to provide a wealth of tips on the opposition.

Players, too, have no hesitation revealing tactical and technical information about NRL club mates, meaning the Origin mantra, “Mate Against Mate”, as well as “State Against State” is genuine.

The only taboos on details divulged relate to an injury a clubmate may be carrying, or personal history which may upset.

NSW coach Laurie Daley has Roosters assistant Matt King and Knights deputy Brett White to volunteer detail on Queensland players from their clubs: Robert Toia, Walker, Lindsay Collins (Roosters) and Kalyn Ponga (Knights).

Furthermore, as........

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