Andrew Johns, a New South Wales rugby league legend, has urged Blues coach Laurie Daley to consider an unexpected addition to the State of Origin squad for their first clash on May 27. Johns suggests Wests Tigers utility Adam Doueihi, a versatile player who has played in various positions throughout his NRL career, should make his debut for the Blues. At 27, the Lebanon international has faced injury challenges, limiting him to just 121 games since his debut in 2018, but his recent form for the Tigers, who currently sit third on the NRL ladder, has impressed Johns.
In his comments on Wide World of Sports’ program “Freddy and the Eighth,” Johns highlighted the importance of the No. 14 jersey. He believes that Doueihi’s skill set makes him an invaluable asset, capable of stepping into several roles, from the halves to centre, wing, fullback, and even dummy half. With a new game-day selection rule allowing a 19-man squad, including a six-man bench, this flexibility could bolster the team’s structure.
Johns has proposed a team lineup that includes other standout players such as James Tedesco, Nathan Cleary, and Isaah Yeo, but also suggests that Daley should prioritise talent over loyalty in making his selections. He sees Tedesco returning to the fullback position thas a pivotal move for the team, especially given Tedesco’s current elite form, which he believes surpasses that of incumbent Dylan Edwards.
Meanwhile, fellow Blues icon Brad Fittler has advocated for Roosters forward Victor Radley to take the No. 14 spot, praising his defensive capabilities and versatility. With crucial selections looming ahead of squad announcements on May 18, the Blues staff, alongside the Maroons, face several tough decisions regarding the final line-ups.
As the series draws closer, the anticipation builds for the outcome of these strategic calls, particularly as NSW seeks to reclaim dominance after the Maroons’ victory last year.
In summary, the upcoming State of Origin match poses both excitement and critical choices for the Blues, as they weigh potential game-changers like Adam Doueihi against established players like Tedesco and Radley. The pressure to assemble a winning team is on for coach Laurie Daley as the clash approaches.