NSW State of Origin Team Changes Due to Injury
New South Wales has undergone a significant change in its team selection just before the start of the State of Origin series. Mitchell Moses has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury, as confirmed by Blues coach Laurie Daley on Tuesday morning.
“He’s out,” Daley said. “Had a strain of the hammy. Nothing major, but just too risky only 48 hours out from a game.”
Ethan Strange will take the starting position, with Matt Burton coming onto the bench. Daley acknowledged the loss but remained optimistic about the team’s ability to adapt.
“Big loss, but like Origin you expect nothing different. There is always unexpected things that happen.”
Moses sustained the injury during post-training exercises on Monday. Daley expressed hope that Moses would be fit for selection in the second game.
Phil Gould, former NSW coach, has backed Ethan Strange to play five-eighth in the opening game of the State of Origin series. Strange was initially named on the six-man bench but will now start in the halves alongside Nathan Cleary.
Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy program, Gould highlighted Strange’s readiness and referenced a prediction made by Raiders coach Ricky Stuart last season.
“We got a call this morning, Matt Burton was just about to run out and train with his teammates and in the end, we had to tell him he was in the Origin side, so he’s in a car and up there [to camp],” Gould explained.
“He’s in the 19 from what I understand, that’s what I believe. He’s the halves coverage and Casey McLean would be the outside backs.”
Gould emphasized that Strange is prepared for the challenge, noting that Stuart predicted he would play for NSW last year.
“He’s obviously got the physicality and mentality for it. They have a debut halfback as well in Sam Walker, so it’s even stevens.”
Strange has established himself as one of the game’s top young talents since making his debut for the Raiders three years ago. He won the Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year award in 2025.
Nathan Cleary praised Strange’s enthusiasm and preparation, noting that he has been getting plenty of training reps in case one of the halves was injured.
For Moses, the injury is a setback after expressing his determination to make it through the entire series without any issues.
“It’s been no secret that I obviously haven’t had the best run of injuries the last few years,” he said.
“I’ve been feeling really good at the moment, and coming into this Origin series I’ve been feeling really good. So, touch wood I’m injury-free this series and can punch it out.”
The Blues suffered a loss in last year’s series decider at Accor Stadium in Sydney, the same venue as Wednesday night’s opener.
