NSW Origin Squad Updates and Key Player Inclusions
Isaiya Katoa has become a crucial playmaking option for the New South Wales (NSW) squad as attention shifts to Mitchell Moses and his hamstring injury ahead of Origin II camp. Moses was officially named in the 21-man Blues squad, with the team aiming to secure a series victory against Queensland on Wednesday week.
One player expected to miss the camp from Tuesday morning is Stephen Crichton due to an AC joint injury that requires weekly painkilling injections. Meanwhile, Sydney Roosters’ rugby-bound winger Mark Nawaqanitawase is set to join the Blues camp after scoring a hat-trick in his first game back following an ankle injury. His inclusion adds depth to the squad, but it remains unclear how he will fit into the overall plan.
Moses’ fitness status is still uncertain. The Parramatta playmaker experienced hamstring tightness two days before the first game, which ruled him out of the Eels’ match against the Bulldogs. However, he completed a solid training session early Monday at Parramatta’s Kellyville headquarters as part of his recovery. Despite this, the Blues have included Katoa in the extended squad, indicating ongoing concerns about Moses’ readiness.
The 22-year-old Katoa will train with the Blues until Thursday before returning to the Dolphins for their game against the Sydney Roosters on Friday. Coach Laurie Daley plans to finalize the starting 13 and extended bench by as early as Tuesday morning. If Moses is not fit, Ethan Strange is likely to be promoted to the starting side, with Katoa serving as the backup halves option on the bench.
Moses has not played since Magic Round three weeks ago, but the Blues medical staff note that he managed a full week of training before the injury setback. Crichton was effectively ruled out late Monday, with Daley closely monitoring the Canterbury captain during his recent match against Parramatta. Crichton had previously indicated he might not be fit for Origin II. Nawaqanitawase’s performance for the Roosters in Canberra was impressive, but his role within the Blues squad remains to be determined, especially if he is selected as the 20th or 21st man.
Daley expressed confidence in Katoa’s ability to step in if needed. “His best football is in front of him, but he’s a leader at his club, and if he gets an opportunity, he won’t let anyone down,” Daley said. He praised Katoa’s kicking game, organisational skills, and communication abilities, highlighting his potential impact on the team.
Wests Tigers co-captain Api Koroisau has returned to the Blues side, replacing Blayke Brailey, who is out with a broken arm. Jacob Saifiti has been replaced by destructive prop Payne Haas, who missed the Origin opener due to a knee injury. When asked if the Tigers’ 68-0 loss to Penrith might delay his Origin comeback, Koroisau responded with a smile: “That’s a big yes.”
Katoa, 22, was visibly excited upon arriving at the Blues’ team hotel in Sydney Olympic Park. He expressed delight at being “rubbing shoulders with some of these blokes” – including one of his idols, Nathan Cleary. “We saw on Sunday the clinic he put on for Penrith, and that’s been his form all year,” Katoa said. “Being a Penrith junior, I looked up to him, and I still do now – I love watching him play and the way he goes about his work.”
Haas, who returns to the Blues side, shared his excitement about the opportunity. “To get the call from ‘Loz’ [Daley] means the world, and I can’t wait to do my job for the state.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum from the first game. “We need to hold on to that, and go after it in game two. It would mean the world to win the series.”
Meanwhile, Queensland has made several changes to their squad, recalling Broncos fullback Reece Walsh to the extended bench. Cowboys back-rower Heilum Luki has also been named, while Walsh’s Brisbane teammate Ezra Mam drops out. Maroons coach Slater, one of Queensland’s greatest fullbacks, explained that the decision to include Walsh was based on internal considerations. “It was the best thing for the footy team that he take his place in a bench super-sub role,” Slater said.
Casey McLean, who suffered an ankle injury in Penrith’s match, was cleared of any serious damage. He acknowledged the initial fear but confirmed the injury posed no risk. “It feels good; it was scary at first, but the scans came back all good,” McLean said.
