Ahead of game two, in anticipation that New South Wales would beat Queensland over in Perth, I published an article suggesting some teams that could replace the Maroons in game three.
Now that game three has rolled around and we have a decider, I thought it’s only fair we run over some teams that could replace the Blues next year, should the Maroons clinch the series.
ANZAC XIII
Inspired by the recently named ANZAC XV to take on the British & Irish Lions, an ANZAC XIII would be a perfect replacement in next year’s State of Origin.
Think about all of the players who have missed out on State of Origin selection. Add in a little Kiwi spice, and this would be a world-stopping team.
To keep NSW interested, we can keep a few of their players on the roster like Cleary, Mitchell, Isaah Yeo & Payne Haas. But then, when you can add the likes of James Fisher-Harris and Joey Tapine to what would be an already stacked forward pack it starts to feel like the team could be unbeatable.
And once you move to the back line, it gets more interesting. DWZ on one edge, Joey Manu in the centres and Dylan Brown on the interchange. I thought about having Wayne Bennett as coach, but because of his Queensland ties, I thought we’d be better off getting Stacey Jones to run the cutter.
This is a game that could come to NZ too. A sold-out Eden Park, half full with Queenslanders, the other half would be Kiwis and Aussies combined.
Sell me a ticket to that game any day of the week.
International Barbarians
Rather than the Australian Barbarians I used to replace Queensland, this international Barbarians squad would be a mix of older/retired players as well as some current players who missed out, or play in the Super League.
I had SJ involved in the coaching regime last time, but on this occasion, I have him suiting up and leading the side out to take on Queensland in game one of 2026.
We could even pair up Paul Gallen and SBW after their headlining bout next week. Fight each other one year and run out together to take down Queensland the next.
Simon Mannering, Manu Vatuvei and Jesse Bromwich are some other Kiwi studs that could lace up the boots.
Luke Gale, a Super League merchant, would be a perfect pick to bring out and steady the ship in the halves.
100 Clubbies (Rolling Subs)
We all know the guys that just turn up and play for their club until they’re pushing 40 or 50. They’re the players I want for this squad. Spend a Saturday rolling around the state of New South Wales and hand-select 100 of these hearty men to run out and take on Queensland next year.
It doesn’t matter if they’re blowing after 2 minutes because they’d be allowed to play rolling subs.
Make two tackles in a row, sub yourself off, get some deep heat on, and you’re good to go again for your fourth run of the day.
The Big V
Victoria needs to stay on the list because they could take on either side. Especially if you make them up of, predominantly, the Melbourne Storm.
Although this time round, plenty of those ‘honouree Victorians’ will be suiting up for the Maroons, so we’ll have to dig deeper to make this a competitive game.
The Victorian side would have to rely heavily on its AFL stars. One player I’d love to see march out leading the AFL side would be none other than the Queensland legend himself, Sam Thaiday.
Thaiday grew up playing Aussie Rules, and after he retired, when speaking about his mother, he said, “If she had it her way, I would be playing AFL”
St. Helens R.F.C
I had the Wigan Warriors replacing Queensland, so it’s only right that I have St. Helens replacing NSW.
The 2023 World Club Challenge Champions would be a perfect fit to slot into an Origin scenario. Thinking back to their gritty 13-12 win over Penrith in 2023, they’d bring the physicality, energy and grubbiness that Origin is all about.
The fans would love it too. They are die-hard, and the town lives and breathes rugby league. The English on tour down under for an Origin series would create an unmatched atmosphere.
I would also love to see THE Konrad Hurrell run out into the Origin arena.