NRL
1 year ago
Why NRL great is 'bullish' about New South Wales levelling State of Origin
By Jamie Lawlor
The Queensland and New South Wales lineups have been named ahead of State of Origin II at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
After a one-sided Game I, NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire has made five changes to his 20-man squad, with Billy Slater’s Maroons side virtually unchanged from the one that won 38-10.
SEN’s Greg Alexander says that the return of key players such as Dylan Edwards, Latrell Mitchell, and Cameron Murray is the x-factor that the Blues lacked in the first game.
“I think the side looks better, I’m pretty bullish about NSW getting the job done in Melbourne.
“What they offered with 12 men for a long period against Queensland in game one, says that they couldn't have tried harder.
“And I think if that side can put in that sort of effort, this side now in game two is a better side, the players (like Mitchell, Edwards, and Murray) are better players, are better suited to getting a result,” 'Brandy' told *SENZ Mornings. *
Another major change in the Blues starting lineup is Mitchell Moses getting the nod in the halves over 2022 Dally M winner Nicho Hynes. Alexander says that Moses brings a confidence to the NSW team that was lacking from Hynes’ game.
“Mitch brings some experience and the fact that he can handle it, as he has played three origin games now.
“His kicking game is more assertive than what Nicho Hynes can offer, and I thought he was very tentative a couple of Wednesday’s ago in game one."
The only changes for the Queensland side for next Wednesday is the inclusion of Kurt Capewell and Felise Kaufusi into the interchange.
Capewell joins teammate Mitch Barnett as the second Warriors player to be selected for an origin squad this year, with Barnett picked as the 18th man for NSW.
The last change for Maguire’s Blues team is the unpredicted choice of Connor Watson who will slot in the side as a utility.
New South Wales (1-20): Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax, Jarome Luai, Mitchell Moses, Jake Trbojevic (C), Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Cameron Murray, Connor Watson, Isaah Yeo, Haumole Olakau'atu, Spencer Leniu, Mitch Barnett, Cameron McInnes, Luke Keary.
Queensland (1-20): Reece Walsh, Xavier Coates, Valentine Holmes, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi, Tom Dearden, Daly Cherry-Evans (C), Reuben Cotter, Ben Hunt, Lindsay Collins, Jaydn Su'a, Jeremiah Nanai, Patrick Carrigan, Harry Grant, Moeaki Fotuaika, Felise Kaufusi, Kurt Capewell, Dane Gagai, Heilum Luki, Trent Loiero.
Listen to the full interview:
