Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

An impending Cameron Murray starting promotion is dominating discussions for the New South Wales Blues ahead of the State of Origin series decider against the Queensland Maroons at Suncorp Stadium on July 8. Despite head coach Laurie Daley officially naming the lock on the bench, commentators expect a late team sheet modification before kickoff.

The potential lineup switch comes as analysts push for the dynamic ball-player to inject speed into the team offensive movements. The forward has been one of the most reliable performers for the New South Wales Blues throughout the current campaign.

This high-stakes selection debate emerges during a turbulent period for various rugby league rosters, following recent reports that Brisbane Broncos Player Unrest Deepens After Emotional Meeting With Michael Maguire.

Late Selection Adjustments and Expert Predictions

Television host Braith Anasta remains confident that the coaching staff will alter their strategy before entering the arena. The former representative playmaker believes the current starting structure limits the effectiveness of the offensive line.

“I’m going to be optimistic and act like Murray’s starting because I think he will,” Braith Anasta stated on NRL360.

“Laurie couldn’t do it three games in a row. It’s impossible and I’m confident that by Game III, Laurie has awoken to the reality that Cam Murray has to start,” Braith Anasta added.

“I’d love to have Murray there instead of Isaah Yeo. I don’t think the attack works fluently in Origin with Yeo and Cleary,” Braith Anasta explained.

Journalist Dean Ritchie confirmed that independent sources within the rugby league community indicate a change is highly possible.

“There’s a bit of mail around that Murray might start. It’s not the coach telling me, there’s just some mail that he may start,” Dean Ritchie revealed.

Interchange Bench Selection Dilemma

The potential lineup change creates a selection challenge for the final bench positions, especially with Manly Warringah Sea Eagles back-rower Haumole Olakau'atu earning a recall. Emerging utility Ethan Strange also remains on the bench as Mitchell Moses retains the number six jersey.

“The only thing is, and it’s a win win for NSW, if the Blues and Martin start well, they’d be tempted to leave him on there and then where do you put Haumole?” Braith Anasta asked.

“I think Ethan may not play. Brailey you have to play. I’d play Robson for 25 minutes and bring Brailey on,” Braith Anasta continued.

“The only thing is that there could be a scenario that Strange and Haumole don’t get on because if Martin is killing it, they have enough middle forwards,” Braith Anasta noted.

“From the players on that bench, Blayke Brailey definitely plays, Cam Murray definitely plays and Fonua-Blake definitely plays so then the other spot is up for grabs,” journalist Brent Read added.

Supporters can monitor official team announcements on the National Rugby League website as the match approaches.