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Greg Alexander has endorsed a major NSW pack reshuffle, backing Isaah Yeo to prop and Cameron Murray to lock after Payne Haas’ injury.
Greg Alexander has backed a bold selection call from Andrew Johns, urging NSW to consider shifting Isaah Yeo into the front row and starting Cameron Murray at lock for this year's State of Origin series.
The proposal comes as NSW prepare for Game 1 against Queensland in Sydney on 27 May, with Payne Haas sidelined through injury.
His absence leaves a significant gap in the Blues' front-row rotation, prompting debate over how coach Laurie Daley should reshape the pack.
A range of middle forwards, including Addin Fonua-Blake, Mitch Barnett and Stefano Utoikamanu, have been discussed as potential inclusions.
Johns has already identified Fonua-Blake as a starting prop in his preferred side, pointing to his ability to generate early momentum.
Writing in The Sydney Morning Herald, Johns argued that Fonua-Blake's go-forward would allow Yeo and Murray to operate more effectively through the middle.
He suggested that positional labels matter less for Yeo, given his versatility across the forward pack, while Murray's speed around the ruck is best utilised at lock.
Alexander agreed, noting Murray's impact is diminished when used on an edge. He pointed out that while Murray has filled that role at Origin level, his quick play-the-ball is more influential in the middle third.
The former Penrith playmaker also highlighted strong back-row form across the NRL.
He said Hudson Young had been the standout edge forward this season, while injuries to Liam Martin and inconsistent form from Angus Crichton have opened the door for contenders such as Jacob Preston and Haumole Olakau'atu.
Alexander said deploying both Yeo and Murray through the middle could maximise their strengths, with the pair capable of sharing ball-playing duties while maintaining defensive and running impact.