Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley faces several key selection decisions ahead of State of Origin Game 2, with Mitchell Moses still battling to prove his fitness and questions remaining over how the bench will be used at the Melbourne Cricket Ground next Wednesday. Moses remains under an injury cloud due to a hamstring strain, while Daley has also defended his decision to drop Haumole Olakau’atu despite the second rower’s strong form.
With New South Wales aiming to secure the series in Melbourne, attention is firmly focused on whether Moses can return in time and how Daley intends to manage a bench packed with versatile options.
Moses Still Has Fitness Hurdle to Clear
Mitchell Moses remains in a race against time to prove he is fit enough for Origin Game 2.
The Parramatta playmaker missed the series opener after suffering a hamstring strain and has been working towards a return for next week's clash.
Although Moses expressed confidence earlier this week that he would be available, his training involvement remains limited.
During the media viewing period on Wednesday, Moses trained away from the main group and completed individual work rather than taking part in the full session.
Fox Sports News reporter Cody Kaye reported that Moses did not appear ready to train at full intensity, which remains a key requirement before the Blues medical staff can clear him to play.
Daley previously stated that Moses would need to train at full speed on Thursday to demonstrate he can handle the demands of Origin football.
The coach maintained that the Blues remain comfortable with Moses' recovery progress but acknowledged that the final decision will depend on how he responds during training.
Strange Waiting in the Wings
If Moses is unable to prove his fitness, Canberra star Ethan Strange is expected to again come into contention for a starting role.
Strange impressed on debut in Game 1, producing an energetic performance that included a try, three line break assists, five tackle busts and more than 100 running metres.
Even if Moses is declared fit, Daley has indicated that Strange remains part of his plans.
The Blues coach revealed that the young utility is expected to receive game time regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Daley praised Strange's versatility and ability to exploit tired defenders, suggesting he could be used in multiple positions during the match.
His comments have created intrigue around how New South Wales intends to structure its interchange rotation.
Bench Rotation Under Spotlight
Daley's insistence that Strange will feature raises questions about which players could see reduced minutes or potentially miss out on game time.
Several bench players played significant roles in the opening match, including Blayke Brailey, Cameron Murray and Victor Radley.
Meanwhile, Jacob Saifiti did not take the field at all during Game 1.
The presence of Addin Fonua-Blake and outside back cover Mark Nawaqanitawase further complicates the equation.
Nawaqanitawase is expected to serve primarily as injury insurance, meaning the battle for bench involvement could come down to Strange and the forward rotation.
Daley has made it clear, however, that he values footballers who can adapt to different roles and does not view positional flexibility as a concern.
Olakau’atu Handles Axing Professionally
One of the most discussed selection decisions was Daley's choice to leave Haumole Olakau’atu out of the side.
The Manly forward had been in strong form and many expected him to retain his place after the series opener.
Instead, Newcastle's Dylan Lucas has been handed an opportunity.
Daley stressed that Olakau’atu had done nothing wrong and described the change as a reward for Lucas' form.
The coach confirmed Lucas will play on the right edge despite spending much of his club football on the left side.
Cleary Praises Team First Attitude
Blues halfback Nathan Cleary praised Olakau’atu for the way he handled the disappointment of being omitted.
Cleary said the back rower had remained positive throughout camp and continued contributing to the squad environment despite the setback.
According to Cleary, Olakau’atu's response demonstrated his character and commitment to the team.
As New South Wales prepares for a potentially series deciding clash, Daley will be hoping that professionalism and flexibility across the squad translate into another strong performance.
Much of the focus will remain on Moses' fitness over the coming days, with Thursday's training session likely to determine one of the biggest selection calls of the Origin campaign.