Laurie Daley has had a moment to forget as he announced the NSW squad for Game 1 on Monday morning, mixing up his words and naming a retired Queenslander off the bench instead of boom Penrith centre Casey McLean.
Daley made a total of eight changes to his starting 13 that ran out in Game 3 last year, with several inclusions raising eyebrows.
But none more so than when Daley tripped over his words and announced 46-year-old Queenslander Casey McGuire on the bench.
McGuire represented the Maroons twice during the 2005 State of Origin series and last ran out in the NRL back in 2012.
You can watch Laurie Daley’s blunder in the player above.
So he would have been stunned to hear his name called during NSW’s team announcement.
Yet he won’t be the one pulling on the Blues jersey on Wednesday May 27, with Panthers star McLean the actual player Daley selected.
The 20-year-old has been exceptional in the past two seasons for Penrith, as he has developed into a genuine ball running and playing threat at left centre.
And while fans were thrilled to see him get his chance in the Origin arena, they could only chuckle at Daley’s slip of the tongue.
“Huge congratulations to Casey Maguire, coming out of a 14 year NRL hiatus to feature for New South Wales. What an achievement at 46 years old,” one fan wrote on X.
“Laurie actually picked a 46 year old Queenslander, Casey Maguire on his bench. Interesting choice. I know he was meaning to say Casey McLean but it was still entertaining!” another said.
“Just want to congratulate Queenslander Casey McGuire for making his rugby league comeback and finally getting his Blues debut. 20 years in the making. Unreal,” a third wrote.
“Can’t wait to watch Casey McGuire run out next week for NSW,” a fourth added.
NSW team overhaul for Game 1
For NSW, arguably no decision was more controversial than Tedesco winning back the No.1 jersey.
The Roosters fullback earned a recall after a brilliant 2025 season and a strong start to 2026.
The 33-year-old has not featured for the Blues since he was dropped for Game 1 of the 2024 series, only to be recalled after Edwards was injured during training.
His uncharacteristically quiet performance against the Cowboys at Magic Round wasn’t enough to change Daley’s mind, given the nod over Edwards.
It is a brutal blow for the Panthers fullback, who has always impressed at Origin level and hardly put a foot wrong this season.
While Josh Addo-Carr, Campbell Graham and Jack Bostock all were overlooked for the vacant wing spot.
With wingers Jacob Kiraz and Mark Nawaqanitawase sidelined with long-term injuries, Daley was expected to turn to a specialist, but instead landed on Manly centre Tolu Koula to fill the vacant spot left by Zac Lomax.
McLean has earned a spot on the extended bench, alongside Ethan Strange and Blayke Brailey, with Conor Watson overlooked entirely.
There were no shocks at centre, with Stephen Crichton and Kotoni Staggs named, with the latter a clear cut choice after Latrell Mitchell was ruled out with injury on Sunday. And Mitch Moses and Nathan Cleary will team up in the halves as anticipated.
It means only three backs will retain their spots from NSW’s Game 3 defeat last year, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton and Cleary.
While several players were axed entirely, including Edwards, Jarome Luai, Max King, Connor Watson, Stefano Utoikamanu and Spencer Leniu.
The in-form Jackson Ford also surprisingly failed to win a spot in Daley’s squad.
NSW team for Origin 1:
1. James Tedesco
2. Brian To’o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Kotoni Staggs
5. Tolutau Koula (debut)
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Addin Fonua-Blake (debut)
9. Reece Robson
10. Mitch Barnett
11. Hudson Young
12. Haumole Olakau’atu
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Cameron Murray
15. Victor Radley (debut)
16. Jacob Saifiti
17. Blayke Brailey (debut)
18. Ethan Strange (debut)
19. Casey McLean (debut)
20. Dylan Lucas (debut)
