Laurie is still the man to lead Blues, says Meninga

• SIN BIN

After years of trying to bring Laurie Daley down in the State of Origin arena, one of the greatest Queenslanders of them all, Mal Meninga, has backed the under-fire Blues coach to remain in the role.

No room for Andrew Fifita in inaugural dream team

He was compared to the late, great Arthur Beetson after his game one heroics, but Andrew Fifita was subsequently so effectively shut down that he isn't considered one of the best 17 players in this year's State of Origin series.

Roosters utility Connor Watson signs with Knights

Newcastle has won the race for the signature of Connor Watson after granting the Roosters utility his wish of playing in the halves.

We beat ourselves, concedes Maloney

The Blues are bracing for the backlash that comes with yet another series loss, summed up by James Maloney as one in which "we just beat ourselves".

NSW must blow it all up and start over

• ANALYSIS

However you wish to describe it, there needs to be a change in the NSW mentality.

Daley hints this season will be his last

Laurie Daley has yet to make a definitive call on whether he seeks to remain in charge of the Blues, but gave the biggest hint yet this series will be his last at the helm.

Fifita muzzled before and during game

Just over a month ago, on this same patch of grass, Andrew Fifita was being compared to the late, great Arthur Beetson.

Big names lend support to the Blues

Some of the biggest names from the sporting, entertainment and political spheres have sent messages of support to the Blues ahead of the State of Origin decider.

Players' phones, bank records new battle ground in pay war

The Rugby League Players' Association is holding out against the NRL's bid to seize players' phone and bank records, limiting its ability to investigate integrity matters such as those involving Manly.