NSW Selection Dilemma for State of Origin II
As the second State of Origin match approaches, the New South Wales (NSW) Blues face a tough selection decision. Coach Laurie Daley has confirmed that Mitch Moses will be back in the team if he is fit, despite recent injuries that have forced him out of the previous two matches.
Moses was replaced at the last minute during the Blues’ training camp due to an injury, marking the second time in three Origin matches that he has had to step down. In his absence, debutant Ethan Strange was brought in with just two days’ notice and played a crucial role in the Blues’ remarkable comeback against Queensland.
Strange’s performance was instrumental in the Blues’ 22-20 victory after they were down 20-0. He created a key opportunity for Stephen Crichton by putting him into a hole on the left side and then supporting him to score the first of the Blues’ three second-half tries.
Strange finished the game with 134-run metres and showcased his exceptional left-foot step, consistently threatening Queensland’s right edge throughout the match. Although he appeared to be a strong contender for man of the match, Nathan Cleary stole the spotlight with a superb performance that culminated in James Tedesco scoring the winning try.
Despite his patchy season at the club level, Moses has been a key player for the Blues, particularly in their last victory in a game-three decider. He has also won his last four Origin matches, making him a valuable asset for the upcoming game.
Daley indicated that if Moses recovers from his hamstring issue, he will play some part in the match. “Mitch is a big part of our team. He’s a big part of our team,” the coach said. “It’s not a bad hammy (injury), either. We expect him to play. He’ll be a part of the squad for sure.”
Casey McLean’s Surprise Debut
In the wake of Kalyn Ponga’s shoulder charge that knocked Tolu Koula out of the game, Penrith’s Casey McLean made a surprise debut for the Blues. McLean came on from the six-man bench and made an immediate impact at left wing.
His first involvement in Origin was a high leap to take a Sam Walker bomb, setting up a quick counterattack that led to Strange’s try. Daley praised McLean’s performance, calling him “outstanding.” However, he emphasized that McLean would not replace Koula in the starting side for Origin II.
“No, is the short answer,” Daley said. “He was great, but I think this group can be a lot better. We felt like we picked the right team. I haven’t lost faith in anyone.”
McLean expressed his willingness to revert to the bench if required. “If I’m able to stay in camp, it’d mean the world,” he told AAP. “This is such a special arena to be a part of, and getting a taste of it, hopefully, moving forward, if I just keep sticking my head into my club footy and moving forward (more chances) will come.”
