
Utoikamanu in as Cleary warns NSW halves set to explode
Nathan Cleary has declared his combination with Mitch Moses can go to another level in Perth, as NSW made only one injury-enforced change for State of Origin II.
Blues coach Laurie Daley announced his team on Monday night, with Stefano Utoikamanu beating out Keaon Koloamatangi to replace Mitch Barnett.
Max King will start at prop with Utoikamanu on the bench, while Matt Burton is the Blues' 18th man with Keaon Koloamatangi and Lindsay Smith reserves in the extended squad.
NSW's stability comes at a time when Queensland's halves are undergoing monumental changes, with Daly Cherry-Evans axed for next Wednesday's clash.
But in Cleary's eyes, NSW's halves are only about to get better.
The Penrith No.7's combination with Moses was the major talking point ahead of Origin I, with both naturally dominant halfbacks in the NRL.
It paid off, with Moses fitting into the supporting role and No.6 jersey unlocking his running game as planned in the 18-6 win.
The duo hardly got in each other's way, linked up in the lead up to one NSW try and Cleary also played a role in each of the Blues' other three four-pointers.
NSW have only had one other all-halfback pairing this century, with Trent Hodkinson and Mitchell Pearce joining forces in the 2015 series loss.
Hodkinson spoke last month about how it became easier for the pair after they'd played one game together.
And Cleary believes it would be the same for he and Moses, as NSW hunt a second straight series win with victory at Optus Stadium next Wednesday night.
"The way Mitch and I combined was good, but I think even that, we can go to another level," Cleary said.
"I'm looking forward to getting to camp with them again and building that.
"It's probably just a bit of a feel thing (where we can be better). Especially when we're under fatigue and in the tough moments of the game.
"But still I thought just generally connecting off three training sessions really was pretty good."
Cleary said he expected to regain the kicking duties after handing over to Zac Lomax after three straight missed conversion attempts in Brisbane.
He also believed his own game would benefit after not playing Origin since game one 2023 due to injury.
"It is a weird dynamic (with Origin), where once game three is done, it's almost like another year until you play game one again," Cleary said.
"I think that's why with Origins series, you build into them.
"Particularly for me, coming back after two years out, I got to build those combinations in the first camp.
"But I think I can elevate those even more in this second camp."
NSW have now largely kept their squad intact for four straight matches, with the core of this year's team also winning last year's series.
"It helps," second-rower Liam Martin said.
"You can hit the ground running when you're getting into training. You know each other.
"That was the goal last year to build something, start fresh and try and build a legacy of the Blues. It's a group where everyone wants to buy in.
"Everyone is chasing the same goal. Everyone's just got that team-first mentality, and it's pretty special to be a part of."
NSW TEAM FOR STATE OF ORIGIN II:
Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Latrell Mitchell, Stephen Crichton, Zac Lomax, Mitch Moses, Nathan Cleary, Max King, Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Isaah Yeo (capt). Bench: Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young, Stefano Utoikamanu. 18th man: Matt Burton. Reserves: Keaon Koloamatangi, Lindsay Smith.
Nathan Cleary has declared his combination with Mitch Moses can go to another level in Perth, as NSW made only one injury-enforced change for State of Origin II.
Blues coach Laurie Daley announced his team on Monday night, with Stefano Utoikamanu beating out Keaon Koloamatangi to replace Mitch Barnett.
Max King will start at prop with Utoikamanu on the bench, while Matt Burton is the Blues' 18th man with Keaon Koloamatangi and Lindsay Smith reserves in the extended squad.
NSW's stability comes at a time when Queensland's halves are undergoing monumental changes, with Daly Cherry-Evans axed for next Wednesday's clash.
But in Cleary's eyes, NSW's halves are only about to get better.
The Penrith No.7's combination with Moses was the major talking point ahead of Origin I, with both naturally dominant halfbacks in the NRL.
It paid off, with Moses fitting into the supporting role and No.6 jersey unlocking his running game as planned in the 18-6 win.
The duo hardly got in each other's way, linked up in the lead up to one NSW try and Cleary also played a role in each of the Blues' other three four-pointers.
NSW have only had one other all-halfback pairing this century, with Trent Hodkinson and Mitchell Pearce joining forces in the 2015 series loss.
Hodkinson spoke last month about how it became easier for the pair after they'd played one game together.
And Cleary believes it would be the same for he and Moses, as NSW hunt a second straight series win with victory at Optus Stadium next Wednesday night.
"The way Mitch and I combined was good, but I think even that, we can go to another level," Cleary said.
"I'm looking forward to getting to camp with them again and building that.
"It's probably just a bit of a feel thing (where we can be better). Especially when we're under fatigue and in the tough moments of the game.
"But still I thought just generally connecting off three training sessions really was pretty good."
Cleary said he expected to regain the kicking duties after handing over to Zac Lomax after three straight missed conversion attempts in Brisbane.
He also believed his own game would benefit after not playing Origin since game one 2023 due to injury.
"It is a weird dynamic (with Origin), where once game three is done, it's almost like another year until you play game one again," Cleary said.
"I think that's why with Origins series, you build into them.
"Particularly for me, coming back after two years out, I got to build those combinations in the first camp.
"But I think I can elevate those even more in this second camp."
NSW have now largely kept their squad intact for four straight matches, with the core of this year's team also winning last year's series.
"It helps," second-rower Liam Martin said.
"You can hit the ground running when you're getting into training. You know each other.
"That was the goal last year to build something, start fresh and try and build a legacy of the Blues. It's a group where everyone wants to buy in.
"Everyone is chasing the same goal. Everyone's just got that team-first mentality, and it's pretty special to be a part of."
NSW TEAM FOR STATE OF ORIGIN II:
Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Latrell Mitchell, Stephen Crichton, Zac Lomax, Mitch Moses, Nathan Cleary, Max King, Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Isaah Yeo (capt). Bench: Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young, Stefano Utoikamanu. 18th man: Matt Burton. Reserves: Keaon Koloamatangi, Lindsay Smith.
Nathan Cleary has declared his combination with Mitch Moses can go to another level in Perth, as NSW made only one injury-enforced change for State of Origin II.
Blues coach Laurie Daley announced his team on Monday night, with Stefano Utoikamanu beating out Keaon Koloamatangi to replace Mitch Barnett.
Max King will start at prop with Utoikamanu on the bench, while Matt Burton is the Blues' 18th man with Keaon Koloamatangi and Lindsay Smith reserves in the extended squad.
NSW's stability comes at a time when Queensland's halves are undergoing monumental changes, with Daly Cherry-Evans axed for next Wednesday's clash.
But in Cleary's eyes, NSW's halves are only about to get better.
The Penrith No.7's combination with Moses was the major talking point ahead of Origin I, with both naturally dominant halfbacks in the NRL.
It paid off, with Moses fitting into the supporting role and No.6 jersey unlocking his running game as planned in the 18-6 win.
The duo hardly got in each other's way, linked up in the lead up to one NSW try and Cleary also played a role in each of the Blues' other three four-pointers.
NSW have only had one other all-halfback pairing this century, with Trent Hodkinson and Mitchell Pearce joining forces in the 2015 series loss.
Hodkinson spoke last month about how it became easier for the pair after they'd played one game together.
And Cleary believes it would be the same for he and Moses, as NSW hunt a second straight series win with victory at Optus Stadium next Wednesday night.
"The way Mitch and I combined was good, but I think even that, we can go to another level," Cleary said.
"I'm looking forward to getting to camp with them again and building that.
"It's probably just a bit of a feel thing (where we can be better). Especially when we're under fatigue and in the tough moments of the game.
"But still I thought just generally connecting off three training sessions really was pretty good."
Cleary said he expected to regain the kicking duties after handing over to Zac Lomax after three straight missed conversion attempts in Brisbane.
He also believed his own game would benefit after not playing Origin since game one 2023 due to injury.
"It is a weird dynamic (with Origin), where once game three is done, it's almost like another year until you play game one again," Cleary said.
"I think that's why with Origins series, you build into them.
"Particularly for me, coming back after two years out, I got to build those combinations in the first camp.
"But I think I can elevate those even more in this second camp."
NSW have now largely kept their squad intact for four straight matches, with the core of this year's team also winning last year's series.
"It helps," second-rower Liam Martin said.
"You can hit the ground running when you're getting into training. You know each other.
"That was the goal last year to build something, start fresh and try and build a legacy of the Blues. It's a group where everyone wants to buy in.
"Everyone is chasing the same goal. Everyone's just got that team-first mentality, and it's pretty special to be a part of."
NSW TEAM FOR STATE OF ORIGIN II:
Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Latrell Mitchell, Stephen Crichton, Zac Lomax, Mitch Moses, Nathan Cleary, Max King, Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Isaah Yeo (capt). Bench: Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young, Stefano Utoikamanu. 18th man: Matt Burton. Reserves: Keaon Koloamatangi, Lindsay Smith.

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Rampaging Rabbitoh realistic about Origin selection
South Sydney enforcer Keaon Koloamatangi is realistic about missing out on the NSW starting 17 after the dominant performance from the Blues' big men in Origin I. Despite the Rabbitohs forward having arguably the best month of his career - racking up over 200 run metres in each of his past four games - he didn't expect coach Laurie Daley to change his winning formula. An ACL tear to Warriors forward Mitch Barnett opened the door for a new forward in the NSW team, but Daley chose to elevate game one squad member Stefano Utoikamanu, with Koloamatangi coming onto the extended bench. "Obviously you want to be able to play and be in the 17, but everything happens for a reason," Koloamatangi told AAP. "The team would have been obviously unchanged because of the dominant win in game one, so I'm just happy to be here." The 27-year-old says he's eager to use the experience of the Blues' camp to learn off the likes of game-one hero Payne Haas. 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Burton's club coach Cameron Ciraldo has been critical in the past of not being able to pick Origin 18th men for club duties, but his five-eighth insists his coach was full of good wishes for the experience. "(Ciraldo) was pumped for me to be back in this arena and around the group," Burton said. "We (the Bulldogs) obviously want players in this arena so he didn't say too much, just 'Enjoy the week'." South Sydney enforcer Keaon Koloamatangi is realistic about missing out on the NSW starting 17 after the dominant performance from the Blues' big men in Origin I. Despite the Rabbitohs forward having arguably the best month of his career - racking up over 200 run metres in each of his past four games - he didn't expect coach Laurie Daley to change his winning formula. An ACL tear to Warriors forward Mitch Barnett opened the door for a new forward in the NSW team, but Daley chose to elevate game one squad member Stefano Utoikamanu, with Koloamatangi coming onto the extended bench. 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Burton is no stranger to the No.18 jersey, having filled the role several times for NSW in the past, and says preparing as a utility presents unique challenges. "Eighteenth man's a bit tricky, you don't know where you're going to get to come on," Burton told AAP. "It's just about me getting my reps during the week at different positions and go from there." Burton's club coach Cameron Ciraldo has been critical in the past of not being able to pick Origin 18th men for club duties, but his five-eighth insists his coach was full of good wishes for the experience. "(Ciraldo) was pumped for me to be back in this arena and around the group," Burton said. "We (the Bulldogs) obviously want players in this arena so he didn't say too much, just 'Enjoy the week'." South Sydney enforcer Keaon Koloamatangi is realistic about missing out on the NSW starting 17 after the dominant performance from the Blues' big men in Origin I. Despite the Rabbitohs forward having arguably the best month of his career - racking up over 200 run metres in each of his past four games - he didn't expect coach Laurie Daley to change his winning formula. An ACL tear to Warriors forward Mitch Barnett opened the door for a new forward in the NSW team, but Daley chose to elevate game one squad member Stefano Utoikamanu, with Koloamatangi coming onto the extended bench. "Obviously you want to be able to play and be in the 17, but everything happens for a reason," Koloamatangi told AAP. "The team would have been obviously unchanged because of the dominant win in game one, so I'm just happy to be here." The 27-year-old says he's eager to use the experience of the Blues' camp to learn off the likes of game-one hero Payne Haas. Koloamatangi played one game of Origin in 2022 and will use his NSW recall to soak up the confident atmosphere before game two in Perth next Wednesday. 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