Blues coach Laurie Daley faces a critical decision in the halves after Parramatta Eels star Mitch Moses was omitted from the team for Monday's clash against the Bulldogs, dealing a potential blow to New South Wales' preparations for State of Origin Game II.
Moses is continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the series opener, and the Parramatta injury report projects his return for round 15 or 16. This timeline means the playmaker will not feature in any match before the Origin II squad is announced early next week, leaving him unable to prove his fitness ahead of the June 17 encounter.
Consequently, Ethan Strange is poised to retain his spot at five-eighth after being thrust into the starting lineup when Moses was injured just two days before Game I.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have named skipper Stephen Crichton despite reports of a fresh shoulder injury. Crichton sat out Tuesday's training session, but teammate Jacob Kiraz downplayed concerns, stating that the rest was pre-planned.
"I'm sure 'Critta' will be sweet," Kiraz said, expressing confidence in Crichton's fitness for Origin selection. Kiraz also missed the light session in Belmore, spending time on exercise bikes alongside a couple of teammates. "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 added, noting that the powerhouse outside back is in contention for 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, but being honest, I'm just worried about the Bulldogs at the moment. The Blues had a good win and I thought Koula has been outstanding," Kiraz said, referring to Blues rookie Tolu Koula.
In other NRL news, Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has made a stunning decision to drop five-eighth Ezra Mam following the team's shock loss to the previously winless Dragons. Tom Duffy will start at five-eighth, with Xavier Willison shifting to lock and Grant Anderson returning from injury to replace the injured Pat Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki.
The Rabbitohs boast significant returns, with Brandon Smith named at hooker, while David Fifita and Campbell Graham also come back to offset the continued absence of Latrell Mitchell. They face a Manly side that has received clearance to select Koula after his head knock in the Origin opener, with Blues teammate Haumole Olakau'atu also back.
Mark Nawaqanitawase has been named in the reserves and could make an early return for the Roosters, while Fletcher Sharpe will play five-eighth for the Knights with Sandon Smith sidelined due to a calf injury.
Penrith Panthers welcome back their Origin trio of Nathan Cleary, Brian To'o, and Isaah Yeo after they were rested last week, while Jayden Berrell will start at hooker for the Sharks following Blues rookie Blayke Brailey's broken arm.
