Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Mitchell Moses has been named in the NSW State of Origin squad for game two against Queensland at the MCG on June 17, with coach Laurie Daley setting a firm fitness deadline for the Parramatta halfback.
NSW lead the series 1-0 after winning the opener in Sydney, but Moses must prove he has recovered from the hamstring strain that ruled him out less than 48 hours before game one.
For more State of Origin coverage, read Reece Walsh Recalled for Queensland's Must-Win State of Origin Game 2.
Moses Must Prove Readiness
“Our first training session is on Wednesday and that’s always been an educational day rather than a heavy session,” Daley said.
“You’d want them to participate in that but certainly by Thursday you’d need to be humming.
“You don’t want to be taking guys in underdone, you’ve got to make sure that they get onto the paddock and add confidence in their own preparation.
“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.”
If cleared, Moses is expected to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves, with Canberra rookie Ethan Strange likely to move to the bench after playing in the 22-20 game one win.
Haas And Koroisau Return
Daley has brought Payne Haas back into the squad, with the Brisbane Broncos prop set to challenge Mitch Barnett and Addin Fonua-Blake for a starting front-row spot.
Api Koroisau also returns, replacing injured Cronulla hooker Blayke Brailey and putting himself in line for his first Origin appearance since 2023.
Dolphins rookie Isaiya Katoa has earned an uncapped call-up, while Stephen Crichton remains another player to monitor because of an AC joint issue.
“Last week when I re-did it, I ripped off all the cartilages, and somehow the next morning I probably felt the best it’s felt ever since I had done it,” Crichton said on Monday.
“I only needed to needle at the start of (Monday’s) the game and didn’t have to do it at halftime, which was a good sign.”
Official State of Origin updates are available through the NRL website.