Origin breaks even the greatest. Now it’s set to be faster and harder
The upcoming State of Origin series will be played under the NRL's new rules, increasing the pace and tactical complexity for coaches and players. NSW Blues' Laurie Daley and Queensland Maroons' Billy Slater will face added pressure adapting to the changes in their first game of the series. The faster gameplay and expanded bench options are expected to challenge even the most experienced teams and coaching staff.
- ▪The 2026 State of Origin series will be the first coached by Laurie Daley and Billy Slater under the NRL’s new rules.
- ▪An expanded bench and increased use of six agains have made the game faster and more demanding for coaches.
- ▪Laurie Daley will not have Craig Bellamy’s assistance, while Billy Slater has retained the same assistant coaching team from last year.
- ▪The new rules have reduced stoppages by replacing certain penalties with six again restarts, particularly in the defensive half.
- ▪Kevin Walters emphasized that tactical intelligence is more crucial than ever due to the heightened pace of Origin matches.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.