The build-up to the second State of Origin clash and this weekend’s round of the National Rugby League has been thrown into disarray, with a wave of injury updates, unexpected selection calls and Origin selection dilemmas shaking up teams across the competition.
The most high-profile disruption hits New South Wales Blues head coach Laurie Daley, who faces a critical selection call in his playmaker group just weeks out from Origin II on June 17. Eels star Mitchell Moses, who was in line for a recall to the Blues starting side after missing the series opener with a hamstring injury, has not been named in Parramatta’s squad for their Monday night showdown against Canterbury Bulldogs. Initial assessments had suggested the injury was minor, but the latest Parramatta injury update confirms Moses is not expected to return to competitive play until either round 15 or 16.
This timeline rules Moses out of any chance to prove his match fitness before the Blues name their Origin II squad early next week. With Moses sidelined, 22-year-old Ethan Strange, who was thrown into the starting five-eighth role last minute after Moses’ injury two days before Origin I, is now the firm favourite to retain his spot in the side for the second clash.
Over at the Bulldogs, captain Stephen Crichton’s absence from Tuesday’s training session sparked rumours of a fresh shoulder injury ahead of both Monday’s club clash and potential Origin selection. However, the club confirmed the rest was planned, as the side is gearing up for five days of leave following the match. Bulldogs winger and potential Origin debutant Jacob Kiraz, who also took a light session on an exercise bike instead of full training, backed up his captain’s fitness.
“I’m sure ‘Critta’ will be sweet,” Kiraz told reporters, addressing the injury rumours. The young winger, who is currently in contention to earn his first Origin cap, said planned rest was a necessary move following a string of physically demanding matches. “It’s a long turnaround. We’ve had a couple of big games the last couple of weeks, so probably the best thing is to (rest a bit),” he explained. When asked about his own potential Origin selection, Kiraz remained focused on his club commitments: “I guess it’s always nice to hear (your name in the mix). I know it’s probably the answer none of you want to hear, but being honest, I’m just worried about the Bulldogs at the moment. The Blues had a good win and I thought (Blues rookie Tolu Koula) has been outstanding.”
In another major selection shock, Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has dropped starting five-eighth Ezra Mam following the side’s embarrassing home defeat to the previously winless St George Illawarra Dragons. Tom Duffy will step into the starting five-eighth role for the Broncos, with Xavier Willison shifting to lock, and Grant Anderson returning from injury to fill the gap left by injured starter Pat Carrigan.
South Sydney Rabbitohs have received a major boost ahead of their upcoming clash, with star trio Brandon Smith, David Fifita and Campbell Graham all named to return to the starting side. Their returns offset the continued absence of star fullback Latrell Mitchell, who remains sidelined with his ongoing injury issue.
The Rabbitohs’ opponents Manly Sea Eagles have been given clearance to select Blues winger Tolu Koula, who missed recent action after suffering a head knock in the opening Origin clash. Koula’s Blues teammate Haumole Olakau’atu is also set to return to the Manly side this week.
Other key selection updates across the league include: Sydney Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has been named in the reserves, in line for an earlier-than-expected return from injury; Newcastle Knights will field Fletcher Sharpe at five-eighth after regular starter Sandon Smith was ruled out with a calf injury; defending premiers Penrith Panthers have welcomed back their entire Origin trio – Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o and Isaah Yeo – who were rested for the previous round; and Cronulla Sharks will hand a starting start to hooker Jayden Berrell after rookie Blues representative Blayke Brailey suffered a broken arm in recent action.