Matildas vs Panama LIVE updates: Grant's stoppage time winner seals 3-2 win for Australia
Charli Grant has saved the Matildas from further embarrassment, the defender bundling in a stoppage-time goal to lift Australia to a 3-2 victory over Panama at HBF Park in Perth.
World No.56 Panama stunned the Matildas 1-0 in Bunbury on Saturday and threatened another boilover on Tuesday night when an Ericka Arauz wonder strike gave the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute.
Veteran striker Michelle Heyman struck in the 54th and 65th minutes to give the Matildas a 2-1 lead, but the 10,659 crowd were left stunned when Panama's Lineth Cedeno scored in the 83rd minute to level the scores.
Enter Grant.
The 23-year-old Tottenham fullback had huffed and puffed all night long and received her due reward in the 91st minute when she wrestled to get in front of her opponent at the far post so she could knock in Courtney Nevin's cross.
Although the win was a good way to end the Matildas' four-match stint in WA under new coach Joe Montemurro, there's still plenty of work to do.
Australia only have two more international windows to prepare ahead of the 2026 Asian Cup, which kicks off in Perth on March 1.
Montemurro made eight changes to his starting line-up for Tuesday night's game, inserting players including Grant, Heyman, Clare Hunt, Remy Siemsen and Emily van Egmond into the XI.
Australia enjoyed 69 per cent possession in the first half but the focus of keeping the ball as much as possible rather than going long when under pressure brought about their undoing at times.
The most costly moment came in the 34th minute when Jessika Nash passed sideways while under pressure with Panama players lurking.
Arauz ensured the ball didn't make it to Emily Van Egmond, bouncing off her opponent and unleashing a 24-yard strike that curled into the net and sent the Panama players into a frenzy.
The Matildas had just two shots on target in the first half.
Their best chance arrived in the 24th minute when Hayley Raso embarked on a long run before getting off a shot while falling to the turf.
The ball bounced off the inside of the far post and rolled tantalisingly across the face of goal before being momentarily cleared, with Siemsen's follow-up shot well saved by the goalkeeper.
Australia levelled in the 54th minute when an inch-perfect cross from Raso found a running Heyman, who had an easy tap-in from point-blank range.
It was another Raso cross that set up Heyman for her second, with the 37-year-old heading home to send the crowd into raptures.
But the Matildas' frail defence was left wanting in the 83rd minute when a turnover allowed Cedeno to cruise into the box and fire past goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln.
Grant ensured the Matildas had the last laugh, but the win was far from convincing.
yesterday 10.27pm
Joe Montemurro: 'The first half… I wasn't happy'
The Matildas coach has just given some frank views about this game on Paramount +, so here's a little taste of that:
I must admit, I didn't expect the errors, I didn't expect the lack of continuity, I didn't expect even just us as a group and to be brave and fight. The first half, I wasn't happy. I wasn't happy.
There was a 25 minute period in the second half where we started to find our distances, we were smarter, but still the football smarts weren't there.
We copped a goal with a square ball in the first half, and then we were down to 10 men nobody took control of the situation. They're things we just can't do.
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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Boost for Knights as Storm star withdraws from NRL clash
Ryan Papenhuyzen won't feature for Melbourne against the Knights in Newcastle on Saturday after he was withdrawn from the Storm's line-up. The fullback missed Melbourne's win over North Queensland last week due to a calf complaint and was pulled from the Storm's updated 19-man team on Friday 24 hours out from kick-off at McDonald Jones Stadium. Nick Meaney has shifted from the centres to fullback to replace Papenhuyzen. Jack Howarth has been promoted from 18th man to play centre. Melbourne were already missing winger Xavier Coates, who wasn't named in their 24-man squad on Tuesday, and five-eighth Cameron Munster has also pulled out of the round-19 match after Wednesday's Origin decider. Melbourne's other Origin representatives, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu, have been added to the interchange bench after initially being listed as reserves. Storm skipper and Queensland hooker Harry Grant was left as 19th man and will either be promoted or drop out when the teams are reduced to 18 players an hour before Saturday's 3pm match. Newcastle remain 1-18 as named on Tuesday. PREVIEW: Knights coach on Ponga, Sharpe's injuries, facing Melbourne Storm Newcastle could be encountering NRL heavyweights Melbourne at the perfect time on Saturday should the Victorian club's representative stars fail to back up from Origin III. The Knights host the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium from 3pm, almost three full days after Queensland's series-deciding victory over NSW on Wednesday night. But whether the likes of Queensland skipper Cameron Munster and hooker and Storm captain Harry Grant take to the field in Newcastle remains to be seen. Munster, particularly, could be set for a spell given the emotional roller-coaster he has endured this past week, following the death of his father just days before the interstate match. Both Munster and Grant have played in all three Origin matches, while Munster has played in 14 of Melbourne's 15 NRL games this year, and Grant nine. The Storm have already opted to give Queensland winger Xavier Coates the week off. He was left out of their 24-man match squad to face Newcastle. Along with Munster and Grant, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu were named among Melbourne's reserves. One bonus for the Storm, who arrive in Newcastle Friday, is that Saturday's match is just a couple of hours up the road from Sydney, where Origin III was played. Their four Origin players may not have to travel far to play. Just four days after the sudden death of his father Stephen, Munster played an inspirational role in the Maroons' 24-12 victory at Accor Stadium. The first-year Queensland captain said he never considered sitting out the game, believing his father would have told him to return to camp and play the decider. Munster could be seen looking to the skies as he ran onto the field, before tearfully hugging coach Billy Slater at full-time. "I just asked [dad] to use as much energy as he can. He hasn't got a whole heap of energy. He was a big boy, so I needed 10 per cent of him," Munster said afterwards. "I love him, and I'll obviously grieve and deal with what I have to deal with tomorrow and onwards. "But I want to soak it up tonight, my family with the team." The Storm, with an 11-4 record this season, are placed second heading into round 19. Without their Origin players, and gun fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, they came from behind to beat North Queensland 26-20 in Townsville last week. "It just goes to show the depth we've got in the squad this year," Storm back Grant Anderson said. "When someone has to stand up, they're ready to fill that role for the boys that were out. "Full confidence in whoever puts on the jersey come Saturday arvo." A Central Newcastle junior, Anderson is set to return to his home-town to play for the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time. The 25-year-old, who has played 38 NRL games since debuting for the Storm in 2022, hasn't been picked when Melbourne played in Newcastle over the past three years. "I missed out the last couple of years, so I'm pretty excited to play in front of family and friends, and my two new little nieces," he said. "It's going to be a real special moment for me back in 'Newy'." The Knights, who welcome back prop Leo Thompson from suspension, are placed 13th after six wins and 10 losses. They have a horrible record against Melbourne overall, but have won their past two games against the Storm in Newcastle. "They've got the win over us the last two times we've been up there," Anderson, who is joining Brisbane next season, said. "There was no rust the last two times we've been up there, and they'll come out firing. They always do with the crowd behind them. "They're a big pack, and we're going to have to take them front on." Newcastle look likely to have winger Greg Marzhew back in their side, after he was named on Tuesday to return from a neck issue. Skipper Kalyn Ponga (foot), attacking ace Fletcher Sharpe (internal injuries) and lock Adam Elliott (bicep) all look set to be out for the year. The Knights have also been supporting one of their players following a tragedy, after Jackson Hasting's mum died suddenly last week. Hastings was named at five-eighth for Saturday's game and is expected to play. Both sides will reduce their squads down to 19 players on Friday afternoon. - with AAP Ryan Papenhuyzen won't feature for Melbourne against the Knights in Newcastle on Saturday after he was withdrawn from the Storm's line-up. The fullback missed Melbourne's win over North Queensland last week due to a calf complaint and was pulled from the Storm's updated 19-man team on Friday 24 hours out from kick-off at McDonald Jones Stadium. Nick Meaney has shifted from the centres to fullback to replace Papenhuyzen. Jack Howarth has been promoted from 18th man to play centre. Melbourne were already missing winger Xavier Coates, who wasn't named in their 24-man squad on Tuesday, and five-eighth Cameron Munster has also pulled out of the round-19 match after Wednesday's Origin decider. Melbourne's other Origin representatives, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu, have been added to the interchange bench after initially being listed as reserves. Storm skipper and Queensland hooker Harry Grant was left as 19th man and will either be promoted or drop out when the teams are reduced to 18 players an hour before Saturday's 3pm match. Newcastle remain 1-18 as named on Tuesday. PREVIEW: Knights coach on Ponga, Sharpe's injuries, facing Melbourne Storm Newcastle could be encountering NRL heavyweights Melbourne at the perfect time on Saturday should the Victorian club's representative stars fail to back up from Origin III. The Knights host the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium from 3pm, almost three full days after Queensland's series-deciding victory over NSW on Wednesday night. But whether the likes of Queensland skipper Cameron Munster and hooker and Storm captain Harry Grant take to the field in Newcastle remains to be seen. Munster, particularly, could be set for a spell given the emotional roller-coaster he has endured this past week, following the death of his father just days before the interstate match. Both Munster and Grant have played in all three Origin matches, while Munster has played in 14 of Melbourne's 15 NRL games this year, and Grant nine. The Storm have already opted to give Queensland winger Xavier Coates the week off. He was left out of their 24-man match squad to face Newcastle. Along with Munster and Grant, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu were named among Melbourne's reserves. One bonus for the Storm, who arrive in Newcastle Friday, is that Saturday's match is just a couple of hours up the road from Sydney, where Origin III was played. Their four Origin players may not have to travel far to play. Just four days after the sudden death of his father Stephen, Munster played an inspirational role in the Maroons' 24-12 victory at Accor Stadium. The first-year Queensland captain said he never considered sitting out the game, believing his father would have told him to return to camp and play the decider. Munster could be seen looking to the skies as he ran onto the field, before tearfully hugging coach Billy Slater at full-time. "I just asked [dad] to use as much energy as he can. He hasn't got a whole heap of energy. He was a big boy, so I needed 10 per cent of him," Munster said afterwards. "I love him, and I'll obviously grieve and deal with what I have to deal with tomorrow and onwards. "But I want to soak it up tonight, my family with the team." The Storm, with an 11-4 record this season, are placed second heading into round 19. Without their Origin players, and gun fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, they came from behind to beat North Queensland 26-20 in Townsville last week. "It just goes to show the depth we've got in the squad this year," Storm back Grant Anderson said. "When someone has to stand up, they're ready to fill that role for the boys that were out. "Full confidence in whoever puts on the jersey come Saturday arvo." A Central Newcastle junior, Anderson is set to return to his home-town to play for the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time. The 25-year-old, who has played 38 NRL games since debuting for the Storm in 2022, hasn't been picked when Melbourne played in Newcastle over the past three years. "I missed out the last couple of years, so I'm pretty excited to play in front of family and friends, and my two new little nieces," he said. "It's going to be a real special moment for me back in 'Newy'." The Knights, who welcome back prop Leo Thompson from suspension, are placed 13th after six wins and 10 losses. They have a horrible record against Melbourne overall, but have won their past two games against the Storm in Newcastle. "They've got the win over us the last two times we've been up there," Anderson, who is joining Brisbane next season, said. "There was no rust the last two times we've been up there, and they'll come out firing. They always do with the crowd behind them. "They're a big pack, and we're going to have to take them front on." Newcastle look likely to have winger Greg Marzhew back in their side, after he was named on Tuesday to return from a neck issue. Skipper Kalyn Ponga (foot), attacking ace Fletcher Sharpe (internal injuries) and lock Adam Elliott (bicep) all look set to be out for the year. The Knights have also been supporting one of their players following a tragedy, after Jackson Hasting's mum died suddenly last week. Hastings was named at five-eighth for Saturday's game and is expected to play. Both sides will reduce their squads down to 19 players on Friday afternoon. - with AAP Ryan Papenhuyzen won't feature for Melbourne against the Knights in Newcastle on Saturday after he was withdrawn from the Storm's line-up. The fullback missed Melbourne's win over North Queensland last week due to a calf complaint and was pulled from the Storm's updated 19-man team on Friday 24 hours out from kick-off at McDonald Jones Stadium. Nick Meaney has shifted from the centres to fullback to replace Papenhuyzen. Jack Howarth has been promoted from 18th man to play centre. Melbourne were already missing winger Xavier Coates, who wasn't named in their 24-man squad on Tuesday, and five-eighth Cameron Munster has also pulled out of the round-19 match after Wednesday's Origin decider. Melbourne's other Origin representatives, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu, have been added to the interchange bench after initially being listed as reserves. Storm skipper and Queensland hooker Harry Grant was left as 19th man and will either be promoted or drop out when the teams are reduced to 18 players an hour before Saturday's 3pm match. Newcastle remain 1-18 as named on Tuesday. PREVIEW: Knights coach on Ponga, Sharpe's injuries, facing Melbourne Storm Newcastle could be encountering NRL heavyweights Melbourne at the perfect time on Saturday should the Victorian club's representative stars fail to back up from Origin III. The Knights host the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium from 3pm, almost three full days after Queensland's series-deciding victory over NSW on Wednesday night. But whether the likes of Queensland skipper Cameron Munster and hooker and Storm captain Harry Grant take to the field in Newcastle remains to be seen. Munster, particularly, could be set for a spell given the emotional roller-coaster he has endured this past week, following the death of his father just days before the interstate match. Both Munster and Grant have played in all three Origin matches, while Munster has played in 14 of Melbourne's 15 NRL games this year, and Grant nine. The Storm have already opted to give Queensland winger Xavier Coates the week off. He was left out of their 24-man match squad to face Newcastle. Along with Munster and Grant, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu were named among Melbourne's reserves. One bonus for the Storm, who arrive in Newcastle Friday, is that Saturday's match is just a couple of hours up the road from Sydney, where Origin III was played. Their four Origin players may not have to travel far to play. Just four days after the sudden death of his father Stephen, Munster played an inspirational role in the Maroons' 24-12 victory at Accor Stadium. The first-year Queensland captain said he never considered sitting out the game, believing his father would have told him to return to camp and play the decider. Munster could be seen looking to the skies as he ran onto the field, before tearfully hugging coach Billy Slater at full-time. "I just asked [dad] to use as much energy as he can. He hasn't got a whole heap of energy. He was a big boy, so I needed 10 per cent of him," Munster said afterwards. "I love him, and I'll obviously grieve and deal with what I have to deal with tomorrow and onwards. "But I want to soak it up tonight, my family with the team." The Storm, with an 11-4 record this season, are placed second heading into round 19. Without their Origin players, and gun fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, they came from behind to beat North Queensland 26-20 in Townsville last week. "It just goes to show the depth we've got in the squad this year," Storm back Grant Anderson said. "When someone has to stand up, they're ready to fill that role for the boys that were out. "Full confidence in whoever puts on the jersey come Saturday arvo." A Central Newcastle junior, Anderson is set to return to his home-town to play for the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time. The 25-year-old, who has played 38 NRL games since debuting for the Storm in 2022, hasn't been picked when Melbourne played in Newcastle over the past three years. "I missed out the last couple of years, so I'm pretty excited to play in front of family and friends, and my two new little nieces," he said. "It's going to be a real special moment for me back in 'Newy'." The Knights, who welcome back prop Leo Thompson from suspension, are placed 13th after six wins and 10 losses. They have a horrible record against Melbourne overall, but have won their past two games against the Storm in Newcastle. "They've got the win over us the last two times we've been up there," Anderson, who is joining Brisbane next season, said. "There was no rust the last two times we've been up there, and they'll come out firing. They always do with the crowd behind them. "They're a big pack, and we're going to have to take them front on." Newcastle look likely to have winger Greg Marzhew back in their side, after he was named on Tuesday to return from a neck issue. Skipper Kalyn Ponga (foot), attacking ace Fletcher Sharpe (internal injuries) and lock Adam Elliott (bicep) all look set to be out for the year. The Knights have also been supporting one of their players following a tragedy, after Jackson Hasting's mum died suddenly last week. Hastings was named at five-eighth for Saturday's game and is expected to play. Both sides will reduce their squads down to 19 players on Friday afternoon. - with AAP Ryan Papenhuyzen won't feature for Melbourne against the Knights in Newcastle on Saturday after he was withdrawn from the Storm's line-up. The fullback missed Melbourne's win over North Queensland last week due to a calf complaint and was pulled from the Storm's updated 19-man team on Friday 24 hours out from kick-off at McDonald Jones Stadium. Nick Meaney has shifted from the centres to fullback to replace Papenhuyzen. Jack Howarth has been promoted from 18th man to play centre. Melbourne were already missing winger Xavier Coates, who wasn't named in their 24-man squad on Tuesday, and five-eighth Cameron Munster has also pulled out of the round-19 match after Wednesday's Origin decider. Melbourne's other Origin representatives, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu, have been added to the interchange bench after initially being listed as reserves. Storm skipper and Queensland hooker Harry Grant was left as 19th man and will either be promoted or drop out when the teams are reduced to 18 players an hour before Saturday's 3pm match. Newcastle remain 1-18 as named on Tuesday. PREVIEW: Knights coach on Ponga, Sharpe's injuries, facing Melbourne Storm Newcastle could be encountering NRL heavyweights Melbourne at the perfect time on Saturday should the Victorian club's representative stars fail to back up from Origin III. The Knights host the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium from 3pm, almost three full days after Queensland's series-deciding victory over NSW on Wednesday night. But whether the likes of Queensland skipper Cameron Munster and hooker and Storm captain Harry Grant take to the field in Newcastle remains to be seen. Munster, particularly, could be set for a spell given the emotional roller-coaster he has endured this past week, following the death of his father just days before the interstate match. Both Munster and Grant have played in all three Origin matches, while Munster has played in 14 of Melbourne's 15 NRL games this year, and Grant nine. The Storm have already opted to give Queensland winger Xavier Coates the week off. He was left out of their 24-man match squad to face Newcastle. Along with Munster and Grant, Queensland lock Trent Loiero and NSW Blues prop Stefano Utoikamanu were named among Melbourne's reserves. One bonus for the Storm, who arrive in Newcastle Friday, is that Saturday's match is just a couple of hours up the road from Sydney, where Origin III was played. Their four Origin players may not have to travel far to play. Just four days after the sudden death of his father Stephen, Munster played an inspirational role in the Maroons' 24-12 victory at Accor Stadium. The first-year Queensland captain said he never considered sitting out the game, believing his father would have told him to return to camp and play the decider. Munster could be seen looking to the skies as he ran onto the field, before tearfully hugging coach Billy Slater at full-time. "I just asked [dad] to use as much energy as he can. He hasn't got a whole heap of energy. He was a big boy, so I needed 10 per cent of him," Munster said afterwards. "I love him, and I'll obviously grieve and deal with what I have to deal with tomorrow and onwards. "But I want to soak it up tonight, my family with the team." The Storm, with an 11-4 record this season, are placed second heading into round 19. Without their Origin players, and gun fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, they came from behind to beat North Queensland 26-20 in Townsville last week. "It just goes to show the depth we've got in the squad this year," Storm back Grant Anderson said. "When someone has to stand up, they're ready to fill that role for the boys that were out. "Full confidence in whoever puts on the jersey come Saturday arvo." A Central Newcastle junior, Anderson is set to return to his home-town to play for the Storm at McDonald Jones Stadium for the first time. The 25-year-old, who has played 38 NRL games since debuting for the Storm in 2022, hasn't been picked when Melbourne played in Newcastle over the past three years. "I missed out the last couple of years, so I'm pretty excited to play in front of family and friends, and my two new little nieces," he said. "It's going to be a real special moment for me back in 'Newy'." The Knights, who welcome back prop Leo Thompson from suspension, are placed 13th after six wins and 10 losses. They have a horrible record against Melbourne overall, but have won their past two games against the Storm in Newcastle. "They've got the win over us the last two times we've been up there," Anderson, who is joining Brisbane next season, said. "There was no rust the last two times we've been up there, and they'll come out firing. They always do with the crowd behind them. "They're a big pack, and we're going to have to take them front on." Newcastle look likely to have winger Greg Marzhew back in their side, after he was named on Tuesday to return from a neck issue. Skipper Kalyn Ponga (foot), attacking ace Fletcher Sharpe (internal injuries) and lock Adam Elliott (bicep) all look set to be out for the year. The Knights have also been supporting one of their players following a tragedy, after Jackson Hasting's mum died suddenly last week. Hastings was named at five-eighth for Saturday's game and is expected to play. Both sides will reduce their squads down to 19 players on Friday afternoon. - with AAP
7NEWS
3 days ago
- 7NEWS
Fake Nathan Cleary image on advertising flyer sparks legal storm: ‘It's a disgrace'
A legal storm is brewing after NRL superstar Nathan Cleary's image was used for an advertising flyer that was circulated around a Homebush car park during Wednesday night's State of Origin battle. The flyer used a crude digitally altered image of Cleary with his arm around a woman. Adding to the controversy, the woman is obviously not his high-profile partner, Matildas superstar Mary Fowler. The words on the flyer — that is seemingly selling NRL car bonnet covers — said, 'Way to go Blues! I knew this one had rizz! I'm taking this one home!' It then noted: 'This flyer was printed a week ago.' With an incorrect sponsor on Cleary's jersey, the ad would appear to be AI generated. And Cleary's lawyers are not happy, saying police could get involved. 'It's a disgrace what they're doing with these guys' brands,' lawyer Daniel McGirr told the SMH. 'There's a couple of avenues that will go down the track of. One of them is civilly, but they are also obtaining a benefit by deception, which is criminal. We don't know who is affiliated with these brands – or whether they are real brands to start with. 'They might be scams. Say the punter on the street thinks, 'Nathan Cleary is aligned to this, I trust him and he's my hero.' They click on it, and they could be taken to some dark web or something like that and get scammed. It's a criminal matter. With AI, this will get worse and worse until something is done about it.'
Courier-Mail
4 days ago
- Courier-Mail
State of Origin Game 3 news: Laurie Daley's NSW coaching failings laid bare as questionable decisions called out, Stefano Utoikamanu
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News. COMMENT When the dust settles on this year's State of Origin heartbreak for the Blues there is one call that has to be made before any others, relieving Laurie Daley of his post after Wednesday night's 24-12 defeat. Daley is a NSW legend, arguably one of if not the best to ever don the jersey, but his selection and tactical blunders have again let the state down. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. That was perfectly encapsulated in just four seconds, as Stefano Utoikamanu – a player controversially picked over the likes of Terrell May and Keaon Koloamatangi – failed not only to not stop Maroons hooker Harry Grant from scoring with seconds remaining in the first half, but didn't even try to put a hand on him. You can watch the moment Stefano Utoikamanu was caught ball watching in the player above That try sent Queensland into the break 20-0 up and set the Blues an impossible task. While social media was full of blame towards ref Ashley Klein and NSW halves Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary, the main takeaway from the disgraceful first half performance of the Blues should have been how Daley got it wrong... again. The Utoikamanu selection in particular was an absolute nightmare. Laurie Daley's selection failures were laid bare in the Origin decider. Image: Nine/Getty The hulking Storm forward on several occasions was seen pushing out to the flanks to take a breather and repeatedly failed to put his body on the line, the effort areas that ultimately win or lose you a State of Origin. But his effort, or lack thereof, to stop Grant from crossing the stripe was embarrassing. As the 27-year-old Maroons hooker burrowed for the line, Utoikamanu stood and watched before putting his hands on his knees and was seen grasping for air after Grant planted the ball down. The Storm prop had at least four seconds in which he could have attempted to help stop Grant, however the entire time he just stood and watched from a metre away as his teammates tried and failed to stop Grant. Stefano Utoikamanu (right) was caught ball watching as Harry Grant scored. Image: Nine And his Game 3 effort came as no surprise after he was caught out repeatedly in Game 2. Utoikamanu only had four runs for 41 metres in a 24-minute stint off the bench in Perth. He failed to make any sort of impact and the only time he was noticed was when he prevented a match-defining try to Nathan Cleary by failing to run through the line. Utoikamanu was pinged for obstruction after he failed to get out of the way of Cleary after running a decoy line. Replays showed that Utoikamanu stopped in the line, denying Queensland forward Patrick Carrigan an opportunity to stop the Blues No.7. So his Game 3, which consisted of just 6 runs for 54 metres in 26 minutes is no surprise as the failure to call up May or Koloamatangi showed once again Daley can't make the tough calls. His selection also showed multiple red flags from the start. NRL legends such as Matty Johns have spoken for years about the simple keys to win an Origin game, always keep moving and support your teammates in case you are needed, not only if you are needed. The Storm prop did neither in Game 2 or 3 and like Daley, cannot be picked come this time next year. And that feeling was unanimous amongst Blues fans as well. 'NSW had enough players there, but Utoikamanu stood and watched Harry Grant score that try. He's been on for 17 minutes and he stood and watched, 'too tired' to make one more play,' one NSW fan wrote on X after Grant's try. 'I don't think any NSW Blues have looked more out of place than Utoikamanu,' another added. While a third said: 'Not sure I've seen a player gassed as much after 10 minutes as Utoikamanu' Keaon Koloamatangi has been on fire in 2025. (Photo by) Terrell May has been one of the form forwards of the NRL. (Photo by) While the other very peculiar decision Daley made was that of the selection of Max King. After earning a shock bench role for Game 1, when Mitch Barnett suffered a long-term injury, the Bulldogs enforcer was catapulted into the run-on side for Games 2 and 3. In Game 2, King played just 25 minutes and took six runs for 47m. In Game 3, his output was similarly sparse. After leaving the field at the 22-minute mark he never came back on and for good reason. The 28-year-old lacked any sort of punch and was easily stopped by the smaller Queensland pack every time he ran up the ball. He took six runs for 37m, yikes. Max King (middle) failed to provide any meaningful impact. (Photo by) But Daley's blunders run far deeper than just those made at the selection table. As the decider slipped away on Wednesday night, the NSW coach sat on his hands. With the Blues lacking a clear punch through the middle early, instead of putting on NSW firebrand Spencer Leniu, he went with Utoikamanu instead. And as the Blues lacked creativity throughout, it is almost inexplicable that the two X factors on the interchange, Connor Watson and Hudson Young, were kept warming the bench until the 52nd minute. Laurie Daley insists he is the right man for the job, but the stats say otherwise A defiant Daley said after Game 3 he should 'definitely' remain NSW coach in 2026 but the statistics say otherwise. 'Most definitely,' he said when asked if he should be the Blues coach next year after the match. 'What we have been building. I think I was disappointed with the result, but I think the players have had a really good campaign. We just didn't nail the moments, so we have to make sure we are better than that. 'I don't see any reason why that group can't. There is plenty of success, it's hard to win Origin series back-to-back. I think we have only won 5 in 45 years, so it's difficult. Queensland were always going to bounce back after last year.' But Daley has now won just one of six series in charge and on each occasion has shown he is not willing to forego loyalty to make the hard call. Keeping the same 17 for the third and deciding game blew up in his face and backed up the theory that he is simply too nice and too loyal to succeed as a coach at Origin level. Michael Maguire shook things up last year and it led to immediate success. While this year Maroons coach Billy Slater found himself under pressure for the first time, after his side were comprehensively beaten at their Suncorp fortress. So what did he do? He pulled the trigger on several tough selection calls. The decision to drop captain Daly Cherry-Evans and bring in Tom Dearden at halfback after Game 1, is a call if roles were reversed Daley simply wouldn't have made. While he also resisted the temptation to replace the injured Kalyn Ponga with Reece Walsh, instead opting for the more consistent and reliable Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, an inspired decision. Billy Slater made several tough selection calls that paid off. (Photo by) Daley on the other hand overlooked two form props in May and Koloamatangi, for King and Utoikamanu. Slater also nailed the selection decisions of Robert Toia and Gehamat Shibasaki. The reality is NSW had the far better team and this was their series to lose and Daley must be held accountable for his selection decisions. Blues selectors will now have to head back to that proverbial drawing board once again and the first choice they must make is relieving Daley of his duties. Originally published as Laurie Daley's NSW coaching failure laid bare as damning four second clip shines light on blunder
