The three changes Matty Johns would make to NSW ahead of Game II

After a massive loss in Game I of the 2024 State of Origin, the NSW Blues are now facing down the barrel of a third year without a series win.

Despite being hit with an all-time injury crisis, the Blues squad on paper is still very competitive with Billy Slater’s side and showed plenty of promising signs in the opening hit out.

With both sides now given three weeks until the pivotal second game, NSW coach Michael Maguire could be set to usher in a handful of stars into his squad.

After a disappointing showing in Game I, Nicho Hynes looks to be the leading candidate to make way for Mitchell Moses, whilst James Tedesco has likely played his last Origin game and will vacate his spot for Dylan Edwards.

Former NSW Blues playmaker Matty Johns revealed what changes he’d make to the side and why ‘Madge’ may have to re-consider his options at dummy half.

“(Mitchell) Moses will come in for sure,” Johns said on SEN 1170 The Run Home.

“It’s just whether it’ll be… for Jarome or Nicho, they’ve got to work that out.

“Dylan Edwards in for Teddy and I think, once again for Madge there’s a decision to make around Api Koroisau, if not starting at 14.

“That’s about the extent of it, as we said before the tale of the tape was the fact that we went down to 12 men.

“Apart from that we fought and competed really hard.”

The name on everyone’s lips at the moment is that of Latrell Mitchell, who despite having a poor 18 months of form has a proven track record when wearing the Blues jersey.

“Absolutely Latrell comes in,” Johns added.

The Maroons will look to close out the series for a third straight year when State of Origin heads to Melbourne for Game II on the 26th of June.