LIVE REACTION: NSW Blues Squad For Game 1

The New South Wales Blues squad for State of Origin Game 1 has been revealed, and the Rugby League Guru Podcast delivers a blistering live reaction packed with controversy, surprise picks, and sharp analysis. The most jaw-dropping decision? Victor Radley, the England-eligible forward, making his debut — a move praised for his toughness and experience but questioned for his current form and lack of recent impact. Equally contentious is the omission of Jackson Ford, despite a 10-week hot streak, with the host arguing that his long-term inconsistency outweighs short-term brilliance. The bench is another flashpoint: Jacob Saifidi’s inclusion as a starter in the NRL is seen as a misfit for the origin bench, while the absence of Talis Duncan — a dynamic, high-impact forward — is lamented as a missed opportunity for game-changing energy. Despite these concerns, the host backs key selections like James Tedesco at fullback and Reece Robson at hooker, and praises the inclusion of debutants Cola and Radley as bold, high-stakes calls. The real story, however, is the strategic gamble: a two-hooker bench with Blake Braley and Ethan Strange, possibly designed for a fluid, unpredictable attack. The host remains skeptical but intrigued, calling it a 'high-risk, high-reward' squad that could either ignite or implode under pressure.