Johns urges removal of NSW star as Origin team unveiled

NSW State of Origin 2 Team Revealed Despite Calls for Change

Despite calls from former coaches Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler to leave out certain players, Stephen Crichton is set to remain in the NSW squad for State of Origin 2. Blues coach Laurie Daley has reportedly decided against making major changes, even after a tough loss in Game 1.

The Daily Telegraph and Channel 9 have reported that Payne Haas will replace Daniel Saifiti in the front-row, pushing either Addin Fonua-Blake or Mitch Barnett to the bench. Saifiti was not used in Game 1, and his spot will be taken by the returning Broncos prop Haas.

Dylan Lucas is also expected to make the six-man bench after being the 20th man in Game 1. Api Koroisau’s inclusion as a back-up hooker remains uncertain due to the injury of Blayke Brailey. Apart from these changes, Daley is likely to keep the team mostly intact.

Mitch Moses is set to start at five-eighth, with Ethan Strange moving to the bench if he passes a fitness test. Eels coach Jason Ryles has already confirmed that Moses will be fit to play in Origin 2.

Crichton and Kotoni Staggs are expected to continue as the centre pairing, provided Crichton stays injury-free in Monday’s game between the Bulldogs and Eels. Last week, Andrew Johns suggested that Crichton should be left out, while his brother Matty said he would axe Staggs.

Andrew Johns made his comments last week, stating that Casey McLean “has to start” after his impressive performance in Game 1 when he came off the bench. Fittler, on the other hand, suggested that Crichton could use a rest and should be put on ice for a potential Game 3 decider.

“I just feel like he’s carrying an injury, he hurt that shoulder earlier (in the season) and I just feel like he hasn’t really recovered,” the former NSW coach said. “So I’d be giving him a little bit of a rest, even a rest (in preparation) for Game 3. Because if they do need to win I’d be taking Stephen Crichton over a kid up to Queensland.”

Casey McLean ‘Fine’ Despite Injury Scare

Despite an ankle issue that prevented him from finishing Penrith’s win over the Wests Tigers on Sunday, Casey McLean has stated he is “completely fine.” He was kept off the field as a precaution during the 68-0 thrashing.

McLean will reportedly remain on the bench, with Tolu Koula retaining his starting position on the wing. Koula made a successful return after being concussed by a shoulder charge that saw Kalyn Ponga sent off in Game 1.