The New South Wales Blues have made significant changes to their line-up for the second State of Origin match, with Haumole Olakau'atu omitted from the starting side and Stephen Crichton ruled out due to injury. Coach Laurie Daley confirmed the team adjustments on Tuesday morning, including the promotion of Mitchell Moses to the halves alongside Nathan Cleary despite a hamstring concern.
Olakau'atu Dropped, Lucas Debuts
In a surprising move, the in-form Manly Sea Eagles forward Haumole Olakau'atu has been left out of the starting 13 to make way for Newcastle Knights second-rower Dylan Lucas, who will make his Origin debut. Olakau'atu will instead serve as the 20th man, a role previously held by Lucas during the series opener. Lucas will start alongside Hudson Young in the back row.
Crichton Injury Forces Change
Canterbury Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton, who was initially named in the squad on Sunday night, has withdrawn due to a shoulder injury. He is replaced by Mark Nawaqanitawase, who is set to join the team on the bench. Penrith Panthers' Casey McLean, who impressed on debut in game one, will take Crichton's place in the centres. Tolu Koula retains his spot on the wing.
Moses Returns to Starting Side
Mitchell Moses returns to the starting side at five-eighth, pushing Canberra Raiders youngster Ethan Strange to the bench. Strange had starred as a late replacement in the series opener. Moses missed his club's last game before selection due to a hamstring injury, but Parramatta Eels officials were confident he would recover in time for the MCG clash.
Haas Returns, Koroisau on Bench
Brisbane Broncos prop Payne Haas is back in the starting side as expected, having missed the series opener with a knee issue. His inclusion shifts Addin Fonua-Blake to the bench. Four-time Blues representative Api Koroisau will start from the bench after being recalled to replace injured back-up hooker Blayke Brailey.
NSW Blues team for Origin II: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Brian To'o, 3. Casey McLean, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Tolu Koula, 6. Mitchell Moses, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Payne Haas, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Mitch Barnett, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Dylan Lucas, 13. Isaah Yeo (c), 14. Cameron Murray, 15. Victor Radley, 16. Addin Fonua-Blake, 17. Api Koroisau, 18. Ethan Strange, 19. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 20. Haumole Olakau'atu.
