The New South Wales (NSW) Blues have invited the Gold Coast Titans under-21s squad to participate in a training session on the Gold Coast ahead of the 2024 State of Origin series decider at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night. The move, initiated by NSW coach Laurie Daley, was intended as a final hitout for the Blues but has raised questions about potential intelligence sharing with the Queensland Maroons.

Josh Hannay, the Titans’ head coach and former Queensland assistant coach for four years, maintains strong ties with Maroons mentor Billy Slater. While Hannay stepped down from the Queensland coaching staff this season to focus on his new role with the Titans, speculation has emerged that the session may have inadvertently allowed Queensland to gain insight into NSW's tactics and game planning.

The session took place on Saturday at Mudgeeraba, providing the Titans’ young players the chance to observe NSW’s strategies closely. Sources familiar with the situation suggest that any tactical information or communication observed by the Titans could be relayed to Slater, who is seeking to secure a fourth series win in five years with the Maroons. However, Hannay declined to comment on suggestions that he might act as an informant, instead highlighting the reciprocal nature of playing in opposition territory, noting last year’s series victory by NSW at a venue in Sydney.

NSW’s decision to allow a Queensland-aligned team access has drawn contrasting views. Supporters of the arrangement suggest it is a confident display of mutual sporting respect and a necessary part of Origin preparations. Critics, however, view it as a risky move that potentially compromises the Blues by exposing their strategies to a rival with established connections and loyalty to Queensland.

In contrast, Queensland typically avoids similar scenarios; the Maroons have historically scheduled opposed sessions with Queensland-based teams that do not have links to NSW, ensuring their tactical preparations remain confidential. Slater’s recent opposed session with the Titans senior squad illustrates Queensland’s more guarded approach.

Both teams have gathered their squads at Kingscliff ahead of the match, anticipating a tightly contested Suncorp decider. The encounter marks a pivotal moment in the series, with the Blues seeking to replicate last year’s upset and Queensland aiming to reinforce their dominance. The unusual training arrangements have added an extra layer of intrigue to the lead-up, exemplifying the strategic mind games that often accompany State of Origin football.