Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
NSW State of Origin II preparations have taken a surprising turn with the Blues dropping Haumole Olakauatu and handing Dylan Lucas a debut in the starting side for the clash against Queensland. Coach Laurie Daley confirmed the changes on Tuesday morning ahead of next week match, with Mitchell Moses also cleared to start alongside Nathan Cleary despite recent injury concerns.
The biggest talking point from the squad announcement was the omission of Olakauatu, who moves out of the matchday squad and into the role of 20th man after previously featuring during the series opener victory.
Dylan Lucas rewarded with Origin debut
Newcastle forward Lucas will line up in the second row alongside Hudson Young after impressing selectors during recent performances.
Lucas previously served as 20th man during NSW narrow 22 to 20 victory in Origin I but now earns his first appearance for the Blues.
Daley admitted leaving out Olakauatu was one of the toughest decisions during selection discussions.
The coach said the Blues explored the possibility of keeping Olakauatu on the bench but ultimately prioritised overall squad balance.
Daley explained the side required more flexibility among interchange options and preferred additional size elsewhere on the bench.
The decision ends a short Origin return for Olakauatu despite strong club form and his reputation as one of the competition most damaging edge forwards.
Mitchell Moses cleared despite injury concern
One major positive for NSW is the availability of Mitchell Moses.
The playmaker had faced questions surrounding his fitness after a hamstring issue threatened his participation.
Daley confirmed Moses would start at five eighth alongside Nathan Cleary, maintaining the combination many expected to guide the Blues attack.
His inclusion means Ethan Strange moves to the bench after making a strong impression in difficult circumstances during Origin I.
Strange entered late in the opener and handled the pressure well, increasing confidence around his ability to provide impact from interchange.
NSW selectors appear keen to keep that versatility available during the second match of the series.
Crichton injury forces backline reshuffle
The Blues were also forced into changes following the withdrawal of Canterbury captain Stephen Crichton.
Crichton dropped out after suffering a shoulder injury, creating another selection challenge for the coaching staff.
Penrith centre Casey McLean retains his place after impressing during his Origin debut in game one.
Mark Nawaqanitawase joins the squad and is listed among interchange options.
Tolu Koula keeps his place on the wing after being retained from the side that secured victory in the opener.
The backline adjustments mean NSW enters the second match with several players still relatively inexperienced at Origin level.
Payne Haas returns to strengthen forward pack
NSW forward stocks receive a significant boost through the return of Payne Haas.
The Brisbane prop missed Origin I because of a knee issue but now returns directly into the starting side.
His inclusion pushes Addin Fonua Blake into a bench role, giving the Blues additional impact through rotation.
Mitch Barnett partners Haas in the front row while captain Isaah Yeo again leads the team from lock.
The forward pack depth gives NSW a stronger rotation compared with the opening match and offers greater flexibility across middle periods.
Api Koroisau also returns to the squad after being recalled following injury to Blayke Brailey.
The experienced hooker will begin from the bench, adding another experienced option to Daley interchange plans.
Full Blues squad confirmed for Origin II
NSW confirmed the following squad for State of Origin II:
James Tedesco
Brian Too
Casey McLean
Kotoni Staggs
Tolu Koula
Mitchell Moses
Nathan Cleary
Payne Haas
Reece Robson
Mitch Barnett
Hudson Young
Dylan Lucas
Isaah Yeo captain
Cameron Murray
Victor Radley
Addin Fonua Blake
Api Koroisau
Ethan Strange
Mark Nawaqanitawase
Haumole Olakauatu
The Blues will now attempt to build on their opening win and move one step closer toward securing another State of Origin series victory.