Mitchell Moses races to prove Origin fitness as Daley names NSW team for Game 2

New South Wales Coach Sets Deadline for Mitchell Moses

New South Wales coach Laurie Daley has set a clear deadline for Mitchell Moses to prove his fitness, following the decision to include the Parramatta playmaker in the Blues side for Game Two of the State of Origin series. This move highlights the importance of ensuring that players are fully prepared and confident before stepping onto the field.

Daley unveiled the squad for Origin II in Melbourne on 17 June, making several key changes. Among them was the inclusion of uncapped Dolphins rookie Isaiya Katoa, as well as the return of Payne Haas and Api Koroisau to the team. These selections reflect a strategic approach to balance the squad while maintaining competitive strength.

The Blues currently lead the series 1-0 and will relocate to camp on the NSW Central Coast on Tuesday evening. They will then begin training for the first time on Wednesday. Daley is hopeful that Moses will be ready for the MCG match, having been ruled out of the 27 May series opener due to a minor hamstring strain.

“You don’t want to be taking guys in underdone, you’ve got to make sure that they get on to the paddock and add confidence in their own preparation,” Daley said. “I think that’s the key – it’s more about them getting themselves ready to go … rather than getting to the weekend and not feeling great.”

Moses is expected to partner with halfback Nathan Cleary, while Canberra rookie Ethan Strange, who played a crucial role in the 22-20 victory in Game One, will revert to the bench. Manly forward Haumole Olakau’atu has been moved to the 20th man spot, with Newcastle’s Dylan Lucas coming into the lineup.

Daley explained that the decision was tough but necessary for the team’s best interest. “We tried to see whether we could put him on the bench, but just the balance of the side and the balance of the bench with another back-rower, we felt like we needed a big man,” he said. “It’s one of those hard calls that you’ve got to make, he’s a destructive back-rower, but unfortunately we want to give Dyl a run in this game and I’m sure that he’ll play really well.”

Despite the challenges faced in the series opener, Daley has resisted making major changes. Broncos front-rower Haas will compete with Mitch Barnett and Addin Fonua-Blake for the two starting prop positions, with Newcastle’s Jacob Saifiti dropping out of the 21-man squad due to Haas’s return. Wests Tigers’ Koroisau replaces injured Cronulla hooker Blayke Brailey and is set for his first Origin appearance since 2023.

Another injury concern for Daley is Canterbury centre Stephen Crichton, who has been dealing with an AC joint issue in his shoulder throughout the season.

Queensland Makes Key Changes

Queensland coach Billy Slater has recalled Reece Walsh to the Maroons squad for Game 2, although his exact role remains uncertain. Walsh, who was overlooked for Game 1 in Sydney, may play off the extended bench or in a different position. Slater emphasized that it would be in the best interest of the team for Walsh to be on the bench.

“We think it’s the best thing for the footy team [if he is] on the bench there,” Slater said. “We know what Reece is capable of … I have a great relationship with Reece, and he’s built a really good game, and if needed, he’ll perform.”

Slater also kept the door open for Walsh to play in the halves off the bench. “In short … yes. We have options there,” he said. “Reece is a part of the 19. He won’t be released [to play for the Broncos this weekend].”

Walsh will be joined by Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Murray Taulagi, and Heilum Luki in the Maroons camp as they aim to keep the series alive following a last-gasp defeat in the series opener in Sydney.