Blues Halfback Dilemma Looms: Moses Return Sparks Debate
As the NSW Blues prepare for a crucial State of Origin Game 2 clash in Melbourne, a significant selection headache has emerged for coach Laurie Daley. The potential return of star playmaker Mitch Moses, should he prove his fitness this weekend, is poised to create a selection conundrum and is already dividing opinion among fans and pundits alike.
Moses was a notable absentee from the series opener after succumbing to a hamstring injury during the NSW camp. His absence saw debutant Ethan Strange thrust into the five-eighth role, a move that proved surprisingly effective. Strange, alongside experienced halfback Nathan Cleary, orchestrated a remarkable second-half comeback that ultimately secured a vital 1-0 series lead for the Blues. Many observers felt Strange’s performance warranted player-of-the-match honours, a testament to his composure and impact on the game.
Despite the successful, albeit hard-fought, victory, questions linger about NSW’s dominance in the early stages of Game 1. For a significant portion of the match, Queensland controlled proceedings and appeared to be heading for a comfortable win. This territorial dominance, many argue, was exacerbated by the absence of Moses and his potent kicking game. While Cleary shouldered the responsibility of the long kicking duties, the shared burden with Moses is a key element of the Blues’ attacking structure, and its absence was keenly felt.
Now, with Moses a chance to return for the Parramatta Eels’ clash against the Bulldogs this weekend, Daley has indicated a willingness to parachute him straight back into the halves if he can get through 80 minutes of football. This potential reshuffling of the halves for Game 2, set to be named on Tuesday, is a bold move that could see Strange, the breakout star of Game 1, potentially lose his spot.
Daley’s sentiments, expressed on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters, suggest a belief in Moses’s established credentials and his importance to the team’s overall strategy. “Mitch did all the training, all our major sessions,” Daley commented on Monday night. “We all know what a quality player Mitch Moses is, and he’s a big part of the team. Obviously, he’s missed the last couple of Origin games, but he’s a big part of our team. His style of footy – with his kicking game, his ability to organise, his ability to pass – is different to Ethan’s. But if they’re both fit, they’ll both be there somewhere.”
This statement hints at the possibility of both Moses and Strange featuring in the 20-man squad for Game 2, though the exact configuration of the halves remains uncertain. Daley also acknowledged Strange’s versatility and adaptability within the Blues camp, suggesting that his presence in the squad is likely regardless of Moses’s return.
Key Injury Updates and Potential Squad Shake-ups
The selection puzzle extends beyond the halves. Stephen Crichton, the Bulldogs centre, is also facing a fitness battle after appearing to re-injure his shoulder during his team’s loss to the Wests Tigers on Saturday. Like Moses, Crichton will need to prove his fitness over the weekend, with Daley placing him in the same category of players whose availability hinges on their performance in upcoming club games.
Payne Haas Set for Commanding Return
On a more definitive note, the NSW Blues will welcome back the formidable presence of Broncos prop Payne Haas. Haas missed Game 1 due to a knee injury but made a barnstorming return to the field last weekend, despite the Broncos’ narrow 30-28 defeat to the Dragons. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, running for an impressive 281 metres, registering a linebreak, breaking eight tackles, and making a staggering 33 tackles. Haas will have one more outing to confirm his readiness before slotting back into the Sky Blue jersey for Game 2.
Other Potential Inclusions
Adding further depth to the potential squad changes, Bulldogs winger/fullback Jacob Kiraz is also reportedly in contention for a spot. Kiraz has impressed since returning from his own knee injury, and his current form could see him come into the squad, potentially even replacing Crichton if the latter is ruled out. The possibility of further changes to the squad beyond these key players remains open as Daley finalises his selections. The coming week will be crucial in determining the final makeup of the NSW Blues team as they aim to secure a dominant position in the State of Origin series.
