Blues Injury Woes Ahead of Crucial Origin II Clash
The New South Wales State of Origin campaign is facing significant challenges, with star centre Latrell Mitchell ruled out of contention for the second game in Melbourne. While Mitchell’s absence is a blow, coach Laurie Daley has indicated that five-eighth Mitchell Moses is a strong possibility to return to the No. 6 jersey, provided he proves his fitness for Parramatta’s upcoming match.
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett confirmed on Sunday that the dynamic centre Mitchell would not be available for the Rabbitohs’ clash against Manly this Thursday. Bennett further elaborated that Mitchell’s return from a nagging back injury is unlikely before Round 17, when Souths are scheduled to play Parramatta – a fixture that falls after the second Origin game on June 18th at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Prior to his injury, Mitchell had been in scintillating form, widely considered the leading centre in the NRL. He sustained his back injury against the Knights, forcing him to miss a game against Cronulla before making a brief return during Magic Round. Unfortunately, the injury recurred, prompting Mitchell to withdraw himself from contention for the opening Origin clash. Hopes were pinned on his availability for Souths’ fixture against Manly, but Bennett’s assessment suggests a month-long layoff.
“His back is no worse, it’s just taken a little longer to rehab, that’s all,” Bennett stated. “He won’t be picked in Origin. He won’t be back until we play Parra, which is after Origin II.”
Potential Replacements and Emerging Talent
Despite Mitchell’s unavailability, there is some positive news regarding other players. Campbell Graham is expected to be fit and available for the Sea Eagles clash, bolstering the Rabbitohs’ lineup. For the Blues’ Origin II centres, Stephen Crichton and Kotoni Staggs are the likely candidates to retain their spots, assuming they remain injury-free.
The situation at five-eighth is also fluid. Mitchell Moses is anticipated to overcome a hamstring concern and feature for the Eels next Monday against the Bulldogs. Following this match, Daley will announce his team for Origin II. Canterbury’s stand-in fullback, Jacob Kiraz, is also being closely monitored by the coaching staff.
Further bolstering the NSW selection pool, Broncos prop Payne Haas is expected to be available for selection despite a knee issue, as is Penrith back-rower Liam Martin, who is also nursing a knee complaint. The Wests Tigers captain, Api Koroisau, and Sydney Roosters utility, Connor Watson, are reportedly in contention to fill the void left by Blayke Brailey, who is sidelined with a broken arm.
The Five-Eighth Conundrum: Moses vs. Strange
Mitchell Moses was initially pencilled in as the starting NSW No. 6 for Origin I. However, a tight hamstring forced him out just two days before the interstate opener against Queensland. His replacement, Ethan Strange, delivered an outstanding debut performance, and the Canberra rookie has certainly put his hand up for retention.
Despite Strange’s impressive showing, Daley appears inclined to favour experience and loyalty. He indicated that if Moses proves his fitness, he would likely reclaim the starting five-eighth role. “I think Mitch has proven himself at that level in the past, and he’s a very important member of the team,” Daley commented. He added that the hamstring issue was “not a bad hammy,” and that with a week’s recovery, Moses would have been fit to play. Daley also acknowledged Strange’s versatility, noting his ability to play in various positions including centre and lock.
Addressing Slow Starts: A Recurring Issue
The Blues have faced criticism for slow starts in recent Origin encounters. Last Wednesday night, they trailed 20-6 at halftime. This echoes similar scenarios from previous series, including a 20-0 deficit at the break in Game Three last year in Sydney and a 26-6 deficit in Perth.
Daley attributed these sluggish beginnings to a combination of factors. He suggested the team may not have handled the occasion and Queensland’s intensity effectively in Sydney, while last Wednesday’s struggles were largely due to unforced errors and a failure to secure possession. He also pointed to the disruption caused by Moses’ late withdrawal, noting that Strange, while excellent, had trained in multiple positions during the camp, which inevitably impacted the team’s rhythm.
“Having said that, we need to work out why we have started slow. We’re all aware of it. I’ll also have to look at what I’m doing or not doing,” Daley conceded, highlighting his commitment to finding solutions to this persistent problem. The focus now shifts to player availability and tactical adjustments as NSW looks to level the series in Melbourne.
