Moses to replace Cleary as NSW halfback for State of Origin

NSW coach Brad Fittler has turned to Parramatta star Mitchell Moses for next Wednesday night’s second State of Origin game at Suncorp Stadium.

Moses, who was magnificent for the Eels in their 34-12 victory over the Bulldogs on Monday, has got the nod over Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes and Brisbane’s Adam Reynolds to replace injured No.7 Nathan Cleary.

Fittler has recalled South Sydney hooker Damien Cook for the injured Api Koroisau (broken jaw), while Cowboys hooker Reece Robson has been named to make his debut on the bench, meaning Hynes misses out.

Souths star Latrell Mitchell and Manly’s Tom Trbojevic have both been named along with Penrith’s Liam Martin (concussion), with all in some doubt.

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Lanky Penrith centre Stephen Crichton is the unlucky player demoted to 18th man to make way for the return of Mitchell, while damaging Rabbitohs back-rower Keaon Koloamatangi is 19th man.

It will be Moses’ second Origin appearance, after he debuted in game three of the 2021 series which Queensland won with a 20-18 result at Cbus Stadium.

The other casualty from the Blues’ side is Bulldogs enforcer Tevita Pangai Junior.

Online bookmakers have Queensland as firm $1.60 favourites to win and clinch the series, with the Blues at $2.35 not inspiring a lot of confidence.

Robson is the Blues’ bolter, but his form for the North Queensland Cowboys since last season has been first class and he looks like an ideal Origin player who will no doubt assist Cook at crucial stages.

Queensland used Ben Hunt and Harry Grant in tandem in their victory in game one, and Fittler will do the same with Cook and Robson.

NSW Blues team for Origin II, 2023

New South Wales Blues

1. James Tedesco (Roosters)
2. Brian To’o (Panthers)
3. Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs)
4. Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles)
5. Josh Addo-Carr (Bulldogs)
6. Jarome Luai (Panthers)
7. Mitchell Moses (Eels)
8. Junior Paulo (Eels)
9. Damien Cook (Rabbitohs)
10. Payne Haas (Broncos)
11. Tyson Frizell (Knights)
12. Hudson Young (Raiders)
13. Isaah Yeo (Panthers)
14. Stefano Utoikamanu (Tigers)
15. Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs)
16. Liam Martin (Panthers)
17. Reece Robson (Cowboys)
18. Stephen Crichton (Panthers)
19. Keaon Koloamatangi (Rabbitohs)

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