HOW THE NSW TEAM SHAPES UP FOR STATE OF ORIGIN II AT THE MCG.
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Fullback: Dylan Edwards
Age: 28
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
A quad injury denied him his debut in game one but Michael Maguire has stuck solid with his first-choice fullback at the expense of fill-in James Tedesco. Among the NRL's most consistent players, the Penrith custodian is a workhorse out of yardage and in support play.
Winger: Brian To'o
Age: 25
Origins: 10
Origin tries: 4
Just about the first bloke named on the team sheet these days. He managed north of 200 run metres in game one, but that's almost become expected for the nuggety Penrith flyer, a weapon in the backfield and a threat in the corner.
Centre: Latrell Mitchell
Age: 27
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 6
Looms as the Blues' game-breaker. Called in for the suspended Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Mitchell was revelatory in his last Origin series in 2021 and came into camp in his best form for more than a year. Val Holmes has his work cut out to stop the South Sydney superstar.
Centre: Stephen Crichton
Age; 23
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 1
Switches to the opposite side with the inclusion of left-edge specialist Mitchell, but that won't trouble the versatile Crichton. He's a popular character around camp and was elevated to the leadership group ahead of game two. A genuine big-game player.
Winger: Zac Lomax
Age: 24
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 1
The Blues' best player on debut in game one, Lomax holds his spot on the right wing and will have an early chance to test his chemistry with future Parramatta teammate Mitch Moses. Expect him to be an aerial target for the halfback's pinpoint kicking game.
Five-eighth: Jarome Luai
Age: 27
Origins: 8
Origin tries: 2
The in-form Panther will be crucial to injecting Mitchell into the game on the left edge. He didn't get the chance to go after old Origin foe Reece Walsh in game one after the fullback's concussion and their clash could be an intriguing subplot.
Halfback: Mitch Moses
Age: 29
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
Usurps Nicho Hynes after the game-one loss, though would likely have been picked had he been fit for the series opener. His kicking game is among the strongest in the NRL and it'll need to be if NSW are to match it with game-one man of the match Daly Cherry-Evans.
Prop: Jake Trbojevic (c)
Age: 30
Origins: 17
Origin tries: 1
The new captain's place in the team was questioned after he played only 29 minutes in the series opener, though he is likely to see more time in game two. His passion for the jersey is undeniable, but what else will the veteran offer with the series on the line?
Hooker: Reece Robson
Age: 26
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
Astoundingly fit, he played every minute of game one but Blues fans will be hoping for a little more in attack with Api Koroisau again overlooked for game two. Can be relied on to get through a mountain of work defensively.
Prop: Payne Haas
Age: 24
Origins: 12
Origin tries: 0
He's been among the NRL's elite props for years, but is yet to dominate at Origin level in the way he dominates for Brisbane. Will be key to the Blues nailing their start in the way they couldn't after Suaalii's early sending-off in game one.
Second-rower: Liam Martin
Age: 27
Origins: 10
Origin tries: 1
One of the Blues' best despite suffering a toe injury in the first half of Origin I. That injury issue hovered over him to begin the week but has since been shaken off. Loves the intensity of the Origin arena and will look to target Walsh again.
Second-rower: Angus Crichton
Age: 28
Origins: 12
Origin tries: 1
Having a super season for the Roosters and was strong on the edge in game one. He's also the only Blue off-contract at the season's end, with a move to rugby union still not off the cards.
Lock: Cameron Murray
Age: 26
Origins: 13
Origin tries: 1
Missed game one with a hip injury but replaces Cam McInnes now that he's fit. Usually deployed on an edge or from the bench in Origin, it's just the second time he's started in his preferred position for NSW and will relish that chance.
Bench: Connor Watson
Age: 28
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
What a story. A serious knee injury ruled him out of the entire 2023 season, but he impressed enough across 10 games this year to earn a maiden blue jersey. After opting against a utility on his bench in game one, Michael Maguire could drop Watson just about anywhere on the field and he'd do the job.
Bench: Isaah Yeo
Age: 29
Origins: 12
Origin tries: 0
Mr Reliable would've been filthy at himself for throwing that intercept pass to Cherry-Evans, who all but sealed the game-one result tearing down the field. Known for his skill with the ball and eye for the game, he could be used as a more conventional middle after Murray beat him to start at lock.
Bench: Haumole Olakau'atu
Age: 25
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
A minor calf injury cast doubt over his chances of retaining his blue jersey but holds his spot as Hudson Young drops off the bench. Was fine on debut without coming up with any signature moments.
Bench: Spencer Leniu
Age: 23
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
Looked made for the Origin arena on debut in game one. His aggression will be key through the middle of the park as the Maroons start to tire.
18th player: Mitch Barnett
Age: 30
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
If he gets on, he'll become only the second Warriors player in history to represent NSW after Ryan Hoffman. Can play on an edge or through the middle and was rewarded for his career-best form with a contract extension earlier this month.
Australian Associated Press
