The New South Wales Blues have named their squad for State of Origin II, with Mitchell Moses poised to return after missing the series opener with a hamstring strain. Coach Laurie Daley announced the squad in alphabetical order on Monday night, leaving some uncertainty over the halves combination, but club coach Jason Ryles has given a positive update on the star playmaker's fitness.
Moses Cleared for Game Two
Moses was a late withdrawal from the first game after suffering a hamstring injury during training. His absence allowed Ethan Strange to debut, and he impressed with a try and several key plays as the Blues staged a remarkable comeback from 20-0 down to win after Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off. Moses missed Parramatta's narrow loss to the Bulldogs on Monday, but Eels coach Ryles is confident he will be ready for the MCG clash on June 17.
"The advice I've had from our medical guys is that if he's selected and he finishes all his protocols for his hamstring, he'll be fine to play," Ryles said. "He didn't make today, but had we been playing on Saturday or Sunday this week, I'm pretty sure he's playing for us. If you get an opportunity to play for Origin then you don't knock it back."
Daley's Squad Changes
Daley has made several changes for the second game. Payne Haas returns after missing the opener due to injury, replacing Knights prop Jacob Saifiti, who was an unused interchange in Sydney. With Blayke Brailey sidelined due to a broken arm, Api Koroisau has been recalled for his first Origin appearance since 2023, edging out Warriors hooker Wayde Egan. Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa has also been included, providing an additional halves option if Moses is ruled out.
The full squad, named in alphabetical order, is: Mitchell Barnett, Nathan Cleary, Stephen Crichton, Addin Fonua-Blake, Payne Haas, Isaiya Katoa, Api Koroisau, Tolu Koula, Dylan Lucas, Casey McLean, Mitchell Moses, Cameron Murray, Haumole Olakau'atu, Victor Radley, Reece Robson, Kotoni Staggs, Ethan Strange, James Tedesco, Brian To'o, Isaah Yeo, and Hudson Young.
