The Bulldogs’ massive loss in the bog at Suncorp Stadium last Thursday night is set to make Laurie Daley have a total rethink about his team for Origin I.
The fact the Dogs went into the game as hot favourites yet were humbled 42-18 by a Broncos squad that contains a large portion of the Queensland team has sent alarm bells through the Blues camp.
Up to half the Bulldogs team were in the frame for NSW selection – the likes of Jacob Kiraz, Bronson Xerri, Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton, Max King, Josh Curran and Jacob Preston.
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But the ease with which Brisbane dismantled the Canterbury defence in arguably the worst conditions seen in the NRL this season could cost several Bulldogs their spots in game one on May 28 at Suncorp.
Jacob Kiraz of the Bulldogs reacts after his team’s defeat to the Broncos. Getty
Reed Mahoney looked a certainty to replace the injured Harry Grant in the Queensland team but has been getting less game time in recent club games and may now struggle to make the team.
Crichton is the one certainty for the Blues with his big game experience, while Preston also has the runs on the board this season and should be in the NSW 17.
Several other Bulldogs are still in the frame, but will need to improve on the Broncos disaster quickly or risk missing out.
Watch the 2025 Women’s State of Origin series live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Rookie continues fight for starting spot
It’s all happening for Lyhkan King-Togia in the past 48 hours – a spot in Magic Round, a new deal and a bright future at the Dragons.
But it almost all fell apart a few weeks ago.
The youngster was disillusioned at spending the first couple of months of the season in NSW Cup and word was he wanted out, with several rival clubs showing interest.
The 19-year-old wasn’t happy playing behind Lachlan Ilias week after week despite the Dragons’ mediocre start to the season and had he not got his chance this week, he may have explored his options, as they say.
But the rookie has been given a chance now on the big stage at Suncorp and the No.7 jumper is his to lose.
Lyhkan King-Togia of the Dragons. Getty
Masterclass playmaker set to hit open market
The player the whole league world was talking about after the Roosters’ fine win over the Dragons on Anzac Day, Sandon Smith, knocked back a long-term deal at the Roosters midway through last season.
And it may have been the smartest thing the 22-year-old did, with his value on the open market skyrocketing after he slayed the Dragons.
Luke Keary was still a Rooster at that stage and with Sam Walker also on the books, Smith thought it best to sit and wait.
He’s still got another year at the Roosters but come 2027, he will be one of the most sought-after playmakers in the game.
Loyalty put to the test in SG Ball final
Eels great Nathan Cayless will have his loyalties severely tested in this weekend’s SG Ball grand final.
Playing for the Roosters, against his beloved Parramatta at Leichhardt on Saturday, will be Cayless’ son Eddy.
And what makes it even harder for Cayless is that he won’t be able to watch the game – he’ll be coaching the Eels’ NSW Cup team – who play the Roosters across town at Henson Park.
The Roosters have some serious pedigree in their side – apart from Cayless, they have Tyson Walker (brother of Sam), Toby Rodwell (son of Brett), James Finegan (son of Wallaby great Owen) and Brooklyn Heath (nephew of John Sutton).
