There was general approval when New South Wales coach Laurie Daley resisted the urge to make changes after the disappointing Game II loss in Perth.
But it could be a very different story in 12 months if the Blues are to wrest back the State of Origin shield in 2026.
Comprehensively outplayed before a raucous home crowd of 80,256 fans, despite having everything to play for, it seems inevitable changes are on the way, potentially seismic ones at that.
Here are six big questions that need answering for the Blues.
MORE: Laurie Daley defiant despite NSW Blues' horror loss as questions over his position emerge
1. Will NSW stick with Laurie Daley?
Just one year into his Origin coaching comeback, Laurie Daley was defiant post-match and believes he’s the man to turn things around in 2026. The head coach said all the right things in camp, but in consecutive matches his players were out-enthused in the opening 40 minutes—trailing by a collective 46-6 in the final two matches by halftime—suggesting they simply weren’t ready.
2. Is Crichton’s Origin career over?
The Roosters and Blues stalwart may have played his 17th and final match for New South Wales. His work rate was high, but so were his six missed tackles. Time and injuries may be catching up with him, despite still being just 29.
3. Robson to get hooked?
A typically workmanlike performance saw Reece Robson do little wrong in this series. But the Blues desperately needed more from their number nine, especially in attack, and the soon-to-be Roosters rake could be the one to make way.
4. Wing to get the fling?
Lomax was largely ineffective throughout the series—certainly compared to his wing teammate, Brian To’o, who constantly posed threats to the Maroons defence. He also made a poor defensive read on Gehamat Shibasaki last night that lead to the Maroons’ opening try. After being 18th man for Game III, Jacob Kiraz looks set to make his Blues debut in 2026.
5. Jarome jettisoned?
We’ll never know for sure, but the calf injury to Mitchell Moses after Game I coincided with a 180-degree series turnaround. It seems very short odds the Parramatta half will be back in 2026, if fit, at the expense of Wests Tigers five-eighth Jarome Luai.
6. What ‘May’ have been?
Forwards Max King and Stefano Utoikamanu were solid, but rarely spectacular, and it’s hard not to wonder what difference impact forwards like the in-form Terrell May and Keaon Koloamatangi could have made for the Blues in this series. Surely in 2026 we’ll get the chance to find out.