Blues announce Moses and two rookies for Origin II

Blues Prepare for Game Two with Major Team Changes

The New South Wales Blues have undergone significant team changes ahead of game two of the State of Origin series against the Queensland Maroons. These changes come following a tight match in the opening game, where the Blues clinched a narrow victory in a nail-biting finish.

Changes to the Starting Lineup

The Blues were forced to make changes due to injuries and incumbent player form. The most significant change was the replacement of halfback Nathan Cleary, who sustained an injury in game one, with Mitchell Moses. This is a big opportunity for Moses to solidify his place in the team and prove his worth, considering Cleary’s excellent form in the previous game.

Damien Cook has been brought in to replace Api Koroisau at hooker due to an injury sustained by the latter. Cook will need to perform at his very best in what will be a critical game for the Blues.

Rookies Making Their Debut

The Blues have named two rookies, Stefano Utoikamanu and Reece Robson, to debut on the bench. They replace the injured Jake Trbojevic and the dropped Liam Martin, offering depth and versatility to the Blues‘ forward pack.

Impact of Returning Player

Latrell Mitchell has been named to return from injury, which is a significant boost for the Blues. Mitchell is a world class player, and his presence will undoubtedly put pressure on the Maroons’ defence. However, his inclusion in the starting lineup has resulted in Stephen Crichton being named as the 18th man for the game.

Final Thoughts

The Blues have made several changes to their starting lineup, which reflects their desire to improve from the previous game. The debut of the two rookies and the return of Latrell Mitchell are significant avenues of support for the Blues to clinch another victory against the Maroons.

With the Queensland Maroons desperate to level the series, the Blues‘ rookies must take the game to the opponents and make an impact from the bench. The Blues must step up their game in defence and attack and play to their potential to seal the series and retain the State of Origin shield.