With the 2025 State of Origin series locked at 1-1, pressure is mounting on NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley to overhaul his forward pack ahead of the July 9 decider.
After Queensland’s 26-24 victory in Game 2, which saw them survive a stunning second-half comeback from the Blues, pundits are calling for key changes to the NSW engine room.
Despite the Blues’ spirited effort in the second half in Perth, a sluggish first half left them trailing 26-6 at halftime.
Queensland, who were thoroughly outclassed in Game 1, responded with a more disciplined display in Game 2, including the impactful return of Kurt Capewell, who ran for 107 metres from 11 carries.
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On the NSW side, Payne Haas stood out once again, notching 142 metres from 16 runs.
However, the injury to Mitch Barnett, who was ruled out of Game 2 after suffering a setback with the New Zealand Warriors, has left a glaring question mark over the Blues’ front-row rotation.
Daley elevated Max King to the starting side, but the Bulldogs prop managed just 25 minutes and 47 metres from six runs.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Storm’s Stefano Utoikamanu was used off the bench and finished with only 41 metres from five runs, their performances have raised doubts about their roles moving forward.
On SEN Radio, Fox League commentator Andrew Voss didn’t hold back, calling for immediate changes to the forward rotation.
“Across two games, there’s not too many of them (NSW players) that can say, ‘I played up to my ability,’” Voss said.
“Stefano Utoikamanu is gone. I’m rubbing him out for Game 3," he strongly emphasised.
"Max King is not a starting Origin front rower. So there’s a starting front rower spot up for grabs for NSW. I don’t think you can go with the same starting 13 again. You can’t go with Max King if you’re only giving him that many minutes," Voss said.
Voss also offered his thoughts on Cleary’s current form.
“Nathan’s not having a great year. He’s having a good year, but he’s not at his grand final, two years ago best,” he said.