Billy Slater is embracing the added tactical element of a State of Origin series where he and NSW rival Laurie Daley will have the luxury of selecting from a six-man interchange.
The NRL altered the interchange rules during the off-season, giving coaches more flexibility in covering for injuries or players being ruled out under concussion protocols.
The new rules have created another strategic layer to the game in 2026 with coaches wary of burning through their interchanges too early and leaving themselves unable to cover for contingencies.
