Laurie Daley, head coach of the NSW Blues, has discussed his unexpected alterations for State of Origin Game 3, particularly the decision to drop Brian To'o to introduce different aerial threats.
The Blues coach, known for his controversial choices throughout the series, confirmed on Sunday evening that Penrith Panthers veteran To'o would not participate in the series decider.
Making an exciting debut on the wing will be Jack Bostock, who previously sat on the bench during Game 2. Meanwhile, Tolutau Koula has been relegated to the bench, and Kotoni Staggs has been entirely removed from the lineup, making way for Stephen Crichton and Bradman Best in a revamped center pairing.
This transformation results in a significantly altered back five for the Blues. Daley explained that the decision to deploy Bostock centers on enhancing their kick-return capabilities.
"It's not so much tall that we were looking at. We were looking at maybe a different option with the ball in the air to attack with," Daley remarked on Monday morning.
"Today's game, with the kick, there's so many more contested possessions. So you've got to be able to get off the ground, catch the ball and make it a contest."
"Bizza gives us something different to what Jack will give us but we just think for this game three that's the way we're going to go."
To'o's performance has been noticeably below his usual standards in this Origin series, resulting in several mistakes, which ultimately cost him his position.