Blues Coach’s Plans Hit by Injury Setbacks
Blues coach Laurie Daley has faced a major setback in his plans for Origin II as Eels star Mitch Moses has been left out of the team for Monday’s match against the Bulldogs. Moses is still recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the first game of the series. Daley had initially expressed confidence that the injury wasn’t serious, but according to the Parramatta injury report, Moses is expected to return in either round 15 or 16.
The Blues team will be announced early next week, which means Moses won’t have the chance to prove his fitness before the second game on June 17. Ethan Strange is set to retain his spot at five-eighth after being rushed into the starting side just two days before the opener when Moses was injured. This decision highlights the challenges the team faces in maintaining consistency with key players sidelined.
Meanwhile, the Eels’ opponents, the Bulldogs, have named skipper Stephen Crichton despite reports of a fresh shoulder injury. Crichton missed Tuesday’s training session, but it was always part of the plan to give him two days off. The Bulldogs’ teammates will get five days off next week, allowing them to prepare for the upcoming games.
“I’m sure ‘Critta’ will be sweet,” said teammate Jacob Kiraz, expressing confidence that his skipper will be fit for Origin selection. Kiraz himself sat out the light session in Belmore, along with a few other teammates, who spent the afternoon on exercise bikes.
“It’s a long turnaround. We’ve had a couple of big games the last couple of weeks, so probably the best thing is to (rest a bit),” he explained, adding that he’s still in the mix to make his Origin debut.
“It’s a long week ahead and a big season, so it’s probably the best decision just to leave me off the feet today. I guess it’s always nice to hear (your name in the mix). I know it’s probably the answer none of you want to hear, but being honest, I’m just worried about the Bulldogs at the moment. The Blues had a good win and I thought Koula (Blues rookie Tolu Koula) has been outstanding.”
Surprises and Changes in Other Teams
In another development, Broncos coach Michael Maguire has made a surprising decision by dropping five-eighth Ezra Mam following his side’s shock loss to the previously winless Dragons. Tom Duffy will start at five-eighth, while Xavier Willison moves to lock and Grant Anderson returns from injury to replace the injured Pat Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki.
At the Rabbitohs, there are some significant changes with Brandon Smith named at hooker, and David Fifita and Campbell Graham also returning to the lineup. This comes as Latrell Mitchell continues to be absent from the team.
The Manly side has received clearance to include Koula in their lineup after his head knock in the Origin opener, and Blues teammate Haumole Olakau’atu is also back. Mark Nawaqanitawase has been named in the reserves and could make an early return for the Roosters. Fletcher Sharpe will play five-eighth for the Knights, with Sandon Smith (calf) sidelined.
The big dogs are back for Penrith, with Origin trio Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o, and Isaah Yeo named after they were rested last week. Jayden Berrell will start at hooker for the Sharks after Blues rookie Blayke Brailey broke his arm. These changes highlight the dynamic nature of the teams as they prepare for the upcoming matches.
