Matthew Johns tips Tolu Koula center switch for State of Origin Game 1

matthew johns thinks Laurie Daley may still change his State of Origin Game 1 backline before kick-off. He said on Friday that Stephen Crichton could move to the wing and debutant Tolu Koula could slide into the centres.

“I think they will [move Crichton to wing], they need size on the wing to defuse bombs.” Johns said on SEN radio. “On the wing I am unsure about [Koula], I just have a sense he will move into the centres.”

Crichton and Koula

Daley had already included Koula in the NSW squad and named him on the wing for the Blues. That pick stood out because Koula is unfamiliar with wing at NRL level, while Crichton stayed at centre after Latrell Mitchell was ruled out.

Crichton did not train with the Blues at the start of camp on Wednesday. He has been playing through an AC Joint injury, which adds another layer to how NSW may line up in the opener.

Dylan Lucas and Casey McLean

Johns also floated Knights second-rower Dylan Lucas as a possible call, but Lucas is the 20th man and can only be used for emergency on game day. Penrith youngster Casey McLean was named in the 19 for his first Origin camp, giving NSW another young option around the squad.

McLean said, “Emotions kind of overtook me” after the call-up. He added, “I didn't have any words left in me, and then I kind of saw Mum and Dad and broke.”

NSW backline balance

The debate now sits on fit and balance rather than selection alone. NSW has picked a quick team that could benefit if six-agains are enforced as they have been at NRL level, but Johns also said the game could favour Queensland's bigger forward pack if it is officiated more slowly than club football.

For Daley, the practical decision is whether to keep Koula on the wing or use his pace and Crichton's size in a late reshuffle. That call shapes the Blues' opening backline and how they try to handle Queensland from the first set.