NSW coach Maguire braces for shot at redemption
Michael Maguire has a chance to restore his reputation as he coaches NSW for the first time in State of Origin I.
Michael Maguire has a chance to restore his reputation as he coaches NSW for the first time in State of Origin I.
Stefano Utoikamanu's omission from Origin I has potentially moved the Wests Tigers prop a step closer to negotiating with rival clubs.
Dylan Edwards has remained in the NSW State of Origin camp to help Michael Maguire finalise preparations for game one, despite being denied a dream debut.
James Tedesco has walked back into the NSW State of Origin camp ready to wear the No.1 jersey, adamant there were no hard feelings over his initial axing.
NSW debutant Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii comes under the spotlight once again on Wednesday, but pressure is nothing new for the Sydney Roosters young gun.
Queensland players wore an Indigenous jersey at training last week co-designed by late Maroons hero Carl Webb, and prop Reuben Cotter wants to do him proud.
Canberra veteran fullback Jordan Rapana landed his first career field goals to sink the Dolphins in golden point in what he called "another day at the office".
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says the round-13 clash against St George Illawarra wasn't the time to risk putting a sore Moses Leota back on to the field.
Canberra have beaten the Dolphins 26-25 in golden point with Jordan Rapana the hero in a controversial ending that left Wayne Bennett fuming.
A State of Origin-affected Penrith have suffered a shock loss to St George Illawarra, who were kicked into gear at halftime by fiery coach Shane Flanagan.
So great is the impact of injuries ahead of State of Origin I, an 18-man team of stars unavailable for the series would not fit under the NRL's salary cap.
Scott Drinkwater set up one try, scored another and kicked the winning penalty goal as North Queensland upset the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
Round 13 of the NRL season proved a tipster's nightmare as St George Illawarra and North Queensland, among others, ambushed their highly-fancied foes.
Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans has admitted the Maroons are on high alert for a James Tedesco masterclass, believing the NSW No.1 has a point to prove.
Olivia Higgins says if not for the belief of Knights teammate Yasmin Clydsdale, she might not be lining up in the second match of the State of Origin series.
Jordan McLean found himself in the same tough situation as injured Dylan Edwards two years ago but is confident the fullback will gain another chance for NSW.
Michael Maguire's seven months of research with phone and blue jersey in hand has given NSW a State of Origin team built on work ethic and passion.
Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans says the Maroons will bring out Reece Walsh's best in Origin and he has no concerns about his emotions bubbling over.
A returning Mitchell Moses has given Parramatta hope their race is not run in the battle for a top-eight spot on the NRL ladder.
Reece Robson typifies the 'mate against mate' mantra of State of Origin more than most, and he's ready to unsaddle his North Queensland colleagues in maroon.
Mitchell Moses barely missed a beat on his return for Parramatta, setting up two tries in a 34-22 win over Cronulla.
Sydney Roosters star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii says playing State of Origin won't prompt him to rethink his three-year deal to move to rugby union.
Injured forward Coen Hess has signed a new contract with North Queensland that will keep him at the club long-term.
Queensland prop Moeaki Fotuaika and NSW front-rower Payne Haas were schoolboy destroyers in the same team but now brace for an epic mate v mate Origin battle.
Ahead of his NSW comeback, Jarome Luai has downplayed speculation he could find himself at the centre of another blue with Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh.
Shane Flanagan says not even St George Illawarra's decimated outside backs could save Mikaele Ravalawa from the axe at the Dragons, given the winger's form.
Queensland-based NSW star Jaime Chapman was jetting back and forth before Origin I but is back on solid ground ahead of the crucial second game of the series.
NSW have kept Luke Keary in camp for an extra day, while the man who predicted Nicho Hynes's injury says the tired-looking Blues halfback appears to need sleep.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has learned plenty from Valentine Holmes as a fullback playing in the centres for Queensland.
Fullback Trai Fuller will dive back into the Dolphins' starting line-up against Canberra as torrential rain threatens to turn Kayo Stadium into a water park.
NRL teams who lose outside backs have struggled to defend in 2024, but NSW are comfortable going into State of Origin I with a lack of obvious bench cover.