NSW Blues Coach Laurie Daley Considers Mitch Moses Return
NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has hinted that Mitch Moses could be parachuted straight back into the halves if he can prove his fitness this weekend, a move that is expected to divide fans. Moses missed State of Origin Game 1 after injuring his hamstring in camp, which led to Ethan Strange moving to five-eighth for his NSW debut.
Strange made a strong impression, with many believing he deserved player-of-the-match honours instead of Nathan Cleary. Despite this, Strange and Cleary were instrumental in the comeback, giving the Blues a 1-0 lead in the series heading to Melbourne.
Although some former Blues players have called for changes, NSW struggled for the first 54 minutes of the game until a send-off shifted the momentum. Queensland dominated the contest and looked set for victory until Kalyn Ponga’s send-off changed the tide. Cleary took on the responsibility of the long kicking game, which seemed to affect NSW as Queensland controlled territory. This is where the Blues missed Moses, as the Parramatta Eels halfback often shared the burden with the Panthers playmaker.
Daley has indicated that Moses could return to the team if he can get on the field this weekend. The Eels will face the Bulldogs in a significant NRL rivalry this weekend. Moses is likely to play and is expected to be named on Tuesday.
If he can complete 80 minutes, Daley suggested on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters that he could be brought straight back into the halves for Melbourne. This also applies to Stephen Crichton. The Bulldogs centre appeared to re-injure his shoulder in the loss to the Wests Tigers on Saturday.
Daley learned about the news on Monday and placed Crichton in the same category as Moses, both needing to prove their fitness this weekend. “Mitch did all the training, all our major sessions,” Daley said Monday night. “We all know what a quality player Mitch Moses is, and he’s a big part of the team. Obviously, he’s missed the last couple of Origin games, but he’s a big part of our team. His style of footy – with his kicking game, his ability to organise, his ability to pass – is different to Ethan’s. But if they’re both fit, they’ll both be there somewhere.”
Daley praised Strange’s versatility in the Blues camp and suggested that both Moses and Strange will be in the 20-man side for Game 2. There could also be more changes to the squad.
Payne Haas Set to Return for NSW Blues
One name who is certain to return to the starting side is Payne Haas. The Broncos forward missed Game 1 due to a knee injury. However, he returned over the weekend with a standout performance, despite the Broncos losing 30-28 to the Dragons.
The front-rower ran for 281 metres, recorded a linebreak, produced eight tackle breaks, and made 33 tackles. Haas will need one more game to prove his fitness, even though he played 80 minutes against the Dragons, before lining up in the Sky Blue jersey. Jacob Kiraz is also in line to join the squad. The Bulldogs winger/fullback has returned from a knee injury in excellent form and could come straight in to replace Crichton in the squad.
