NSW's Mitch Moses ruled out of State of Origin II
NSW five-eighth Mitch Moses has been ruled out of the second State of Origin match after suffering a calf strain at training.
The injury is a big blow to the Blues' hopes of sealing a series victory in Perth on Wednesday.
The Blues will determine the Parramatta five-eighth's replacement later on Thursday afternoon, with Jarome Luai and Matt Burton the leading options.
Moses was preferred to Luai for the opening game of the series, while Burton was named replacement player for game two.
NSW five-eighth Mitch Moses has been ruled out of the second State of Origin match after suffering a calf strain at training.
The injury is a big blow to the Blues' hopes of sealing a series victory in Perth on Wednesday.
The Blues will determine the Parramatta five-eighth's replacement later on Thursday afternoon, with Jarome Luai and Matt Burton the leading options.
Moses was preferred to Luai for the opening game of the series, while Burton was named replacement player for game two.
NSW five-eighth Mitch Moses has been ruled out of the second State of Origin match after suffering a calf strain at training.
The injury is a big blow to the Blues' hopes of sealing a series victory in Perth on Wednesday.
The Blues will determine the Parramatta five-eighth's replacement later on Thursday afternoon, with Jarome Luai and Matt Burton the leading options.
Moses was preferred to Luai for the opening game of the series, while Burton was named replacement player for game two.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Winging it: Holmes, Maroons search for best in the west
The next generation is circling and Valentine Holmes isn't taking his Queensland jersey for granted, confident a move back to the centres can spark something. The Maroons veteran will play his 21st State of Origin game in Perth on Wednesday, named in the centres in a swap with winger Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow following the series-opening loss. Melbourne centre Jack Howarth's (22) inclusion in the squad as a reserve has kept the heat on the 29-year-old Holmes, whose pinpoint goal-kicking offers additional selection security. But captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans' axing after the one-sided Brisbane loss was proof Holmes said he didn't need of Origin's cut-throat nature. "Definitely, it's always something that we're thinking about," he said of the prospect that Wednesday could be his last Origin appearance. "It's a jersey that's earnt, no matter what you've done in the past. "You've got to be playing quality footy and up to the Queensland standards … Billy's (Slater) done a good job of making sure we're really earning that jersey. "After any loss … it's always about if you feel like you've done enough to earn your spot again." Holmes played eight consecutive Origin games in the centres before shifting back to the wing for last year's decider. He and fellow winger Xavier Coates struggled to work the ball out of their defensive corners in Brisbane as the Blues dominated the first-half territory battle. "You'll have to ask Bill (Slater) but it's probably more so that I play centre for club and want to bring my strengths back into the game and what I do for the Dragons," Holmes said of the reasons behind the switch that he hopes will also unlock Tabuai-Fidow. "That could be part of the change there, getting him more open ball … catching kicks or handing off from KP (Kalyn Ponga), he has space to do his thing." Coach Slater has also tinkered with his forward pack, Trent Loiero and the recalled Kurt Capewell named to start with Pat Carrigan shifted to the bench. That will matter little though if the Maroons piggy-back the Blues with early penalties as they did in Brisbane. "We left a lot of opportunities out there and felt like we fell into NSW's style of footy," Coates said. "It was tough to watch (the review), just knowing how many opportunities we left out there. "But we didn't play a very smart brand of footy. With aggression we need to be disciplined ... controlled aggression and being smart with our footy." The next generation is circling and Valentine Holmes isn't taking his Queensland jersey for granted, confident a move back to the centres can spark something. The Maroons veteran will play his 21st State of Origin game in Perth on Wednesday, named in the centres in a swap with winger Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow following the series-opening loss. Melbourne centre Jack Howarth's (22) inclusion in the squad as a reserve has kept the heat on the 29-year-old Holmes, whose pinpoint goal-kicking offers additional selection security. But captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans' axing after the one-sided Brisbane loss was proof Holmes said he didn't need of Origin's cut-throat nature. "Definitely, it's always something that we're thinking about," he said of the prospect that Wednesday could be his last Origin appearance. "It's a jersey that's earnt, no matter what you've done in the past. "You've got to be playing quality footy and up to the Queensland standards … Billy's (Slater) done a good job of making sure we're really earning that jersey. "After any loss … it's always about if you feel like you've done enough to earn your spot again." Holmes played eight consecutive Origin games in the centres before shifting back to the wing for last year's decider. He and fellow winger Xavier Coates struggled to work the ball out of their defensive corners in Brisbane as the Blues dominated the first-half territory battle. "You'll have to ask Bill (Slater) but it's probably more so that I play centre for club and want to bring my strengths back into the game and what I do for the Dragons," Holmes said of the reasons behind the switch that he hopes will also unlock Tabuai-Fidow. "That could be part of the change there, getting him more open ball … catching kicks or handing off from KP (Kalyn Ponga), he has space to do his thing." Coach Slater has also tinkered with his forward pack, Trent Loiero and the recalled Kurt Capewell named to start with Pat Carrigan shifted to the bench. That will matter little though if the Maroons piggy-back the Blues with early penalties as they did in Brisbane. "We left a lot of opportunities out there and felt like we fell into NSW's style of footy," Coates said. "It was tough to watch (the review), just knowing how many opportunities we left out there. "But we didn't play a very smart brand of footy. With aggression we need to be disciplined ... controlled aggression and being smart with our footy." The next generation is circling and Valentine Holmes isn't taking his Queensland jersey for granted, confident a move back to the centres can spark something. The Maroons veteran will play his 21st State of Origin game in Perth on Wednesday, named in the centres in a swap with winger Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow following the series-opening loss. Melbourne centre Jack Howarth's (22) inclusion in the squad as a reserve has kept the heat on the 29-year-old Holmes, whose pinpoint goal-kicking offers additional selection security. But captain and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans' axing after the one-sided Brisbane loss was proof Holmes said he didn't need of Origin's cut-throat nature. "Definitely, it's always something that we're thinking about," he said of the prospect that Wednesday could be his last Origin appearance. "It's a jersey that's earnt, no matter what you've done in the past. "You've got to be playing quality footy and up to the Queensland standards … Billy's (Slater) done a good job of making sure we're really earning that jersey. "After any loss … it's always about if you feel like you've done enough to earn your spot again." Holmes played eight consecutive Origin games in the centres before shifting back to the wing for last year's decider. He and fellow winger Xavier Coates struggled to work the ball out of their defensive corners in Brisbane as the Blues dominated the first-half territory battle. "You'll have to ask Bill (Slater) but it's probably more so that I play centre for club and want to bring my strengths back into the game and what I do for the Dragons," Holmes said of the reasons behind the switch that he hopes will also unlock Tabuai-Fidow. "That could be part of the change there, getting him more open ball … catching kicks or handing off from KP (Kalyn Ponga), he has space to do his thing." Coach Slater has also tinkered with his forward pack, Trent Loiero and the recalled Kurt Capewell named to start with Pat Carrigan shifted to the bench. That will matter little though if the Maroons piggy-back the Blues with early penalties as they did in Brisbane. "We left a lot of opportunities out there and felt like we fell into NSW's style of footy," Coates said. "It was tough to watch (the review), just knowing how many opportunities we left out there. "But we didn't play a very smart brand of footy. With aggression we need to be disciplined ... controlled aggression and being smart with our footy."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Life keeps getting better for breakout NSW prop
Six weeks ago Max King would never had believed he'd be starting at prop next to Payne Haas in State of Origin II. But a chat with Blues coach Laurie Daley helped convince the breakout Canterbury prop he belongs on rugby league's biggest stage. King was the surprise pick in Daley's NSW team for game one, but impressed coming on from the bench in a dominant 18-6 defeat of Queensland in Brisbane. With Mitch Barnett subsequently injured, Daley picked the happy-go-lucky King as Payne Haas's starting front-row partner for Wednesday's game two in Perth, where the Blues can seal a series victory. King has been in career-best form this year for the ladder-leading Bulldogs, who have valid premiership aspirations. But the rise to the representative arena has been a lot for the 28-year-old to wrap his head around. "It's a big thing to get recalled but to get recalled and promoted is even better. It just keeps going up and up for me," King said ahead of game two. King would have struggled to believe only a matter of weeks ago if you suggested he'd be a starting Blues prop in 2025, much less when one considers he was thrown a lifeline by the Bulldogs in 2022 after more than 500 days out with an Achilles issue. "You could have asked me six weeks ago and I wouldn't have believed it," he said. "The first (camp) I'd go back to my room every day and think 'Wow, I can't believe I'm here.' I'd look at my training gear and couldn't believe I was wearing a Blues shirt. I don't want to lose that, I don't want this to be normal. "I feel so fortunate for everything that's happened this year, everything that's happened in clubland." But King admits he's someone who's historically needed convincing in his own abilities. It's just in his nature to be humble. "Growing up, if there was one thing I lacked a bit in my career it probably was confidence, believing that I'm that guy," he said. "It's probably tied in with my humility." Coach Daley gave King the chance to find that confidence within himself when he spoke to the prop ahead of his debut at Suncorp Stadium. "One thing Laurie did say is just because you're selected doesn't mean you're an Origin player," King said. "What you do with that selection defines whether you're an Origin player. "(Origin I) was a test for me and it was to prove to a lot of people, but it was to prove it to myself that I am an Origin player and I do belong there." It's why King is now feeling up to the task of taking it to Queensland's pack, who will be smarting from a Blues masterclass in game one. "Starting the game is fantastic and a great experience for me because we'll see the best Queensland side we've seen all series especially in that first 20 minutes," he said. "It's another chance to prove to myself that I belong here. Baptism by fire I guess, going straight into the belly of the beast." Six weeks ago Max King would never had believed he'd be starting at prop next to Payne Haas in State of Origin II. But a chat with Blues coach Laurie Daley helped convince the breakout Canterbury prop he belongs on rugby league's biggest stage. King was the surprise pick in Daley's NSW team for game one, but impressed coming on from the bench in a dominant 18-6 defeat of Queensland in Brisbane. With Mitch Barnett subsequently injured, Daley picked the happy-go-lucky King as Payne Haas's starting front-row partner for Wednesday's game two in Perth, where the Blues can seal a series victory. King has been in career-best form this year for the ladder-leading Bulldogs, who have valid premiership aspirations. But the rise to the representative arena has been a lot for the 28-year-old to wrap his head around. "It's a big thing to get recalled but to get recalled and promoted is even better. It just keeps going up and up for me," King said ahead of game two. King would have struggled to believe only a matter of weeks ago if you suggested he'd be a starting Blues prop in 2025, much less when one considers he was thrown a lifeline by the Bulldogs in 2022 after more than 500 days out with an Achilles issue. "You could have asked me six weeks ago and I wouldn't have believed it," he said. "The first (camp) I'd go back to my room every day and think 'Wow, I can't believe I'm here.' I'd look at my training gear and couldn't believe I was wearing a Blues shirt. I don't want to lose that, I don't want this to be normal. "I feel so fortunate for everything that's happened this year, everything that's happened in clubland." But King admits he's someone who's historically needed convincing in his own abilities. It's just in his nature to be humble. "Growing up, if there was one thing I lacked a bit in my career it probably was confidence, believing that I'm that guy," he said. "It's probably tied in with my humility." Coach Daley gave King the chance to find that confidence within himself when he spoke to the prop ahead of his debut at Suncorp Stadium. "One thing Laurie did say is just because you're selected doesn't mean you're an Origin player," King said. "What you do with that selection defines whether you're an Origin player. "(Origin I) was a test for me and it was to prove to a lot of people, but it was to prove it to myself that I am an Origin player and I do belong there." It's why King is now feeling up to the task of taking it to Queensland's pack, who will be smarting from a Blues masterclass in game one. "Starting the game is fantastic and a great experience for me because we'll see the best Queensland side we've seen all series especially in that first 20 minutes," he said. "It's another chance to prove to myself that I belong here. Baptism by fire I guess, going straight into the belly of the beast." Six weeks ago Max King would never had believed he'd be starting at prop next to Payne Haas in State of Origin II. But a chat with Blues coach Laurie Daley helped convince the breakout Canterbury prop he belongs on rugby league's biggest stage. King was the surprise pick in Daley's NSW team for game one, but impressed coming on from the bench in a dominant 18-6 defeat of Queensland in Brisbane. With Mitch Barnett subsequently injured, Daley picked the happy-go-lucky King as Payne Haas's starting front-row partner for Wednesday's game two in Perth, where the Blues can seal a series victory. King has been in career-best form this year for the ladder-leading Bulldogs, who have valid premiership aspirations. But the rise to the representative arena has been a lot for the 28-year-old to wrap his head around. "It's a big thing to get recalled but to get recalled and promoted is even better. It just keeps going up and up for me," King said ahead of game two. King would have struggled to believe only a matter of weeks ago if you suggested he'd be a starting Blues prop in 2025, much less when one considers he was thrown a lifeline by the Bulldogs in 2022 after more than 500 days out with an Achilles issue. "You could have asked me six weeks ago and I wouldn't have believed it," he said. "The first (camp) I'd go back to my room every day and think 'Wow, I can't believe I'm here.' I'd look at my training gear and couldn't believe I was wearing a Blues shirt. I don't want to lose that, I don't want this to be normal. "I feel so fortunate for everything that's happened this year, everything that's happened in clubland." But King admits he's someone who's historically needed convincing in his own abilities. It's just in his nature to be humble. "Growing up, if there was one thing I lacked a bit in my career it probably was confidence, believing that I'm that guy," he said. "It's probably tied in with my humility." Coach Daley gave King the chance to find that confidence within himself when he spoke to the prop ahead of his debut at Suncorp Stadium. "One thing Laurie did say is just because you're selected doesn't mean you're an Origin player," King said. "What you do with that selection defines whether you're an Origin player. "(Origin I) was a test for me and it was to prove to a lot of people, but it was to prove it to myself that I am an Origin player and I do belong there." It's why King is now feeling up to the task of taking it to Queensland's pack, who will be smarting from a Blues masterclass in game one. "Starting the game is fantastic and a great experience for me because we'll see the best Queensland side we've seen all series especially in that first 20 minutes," he said. "It's another chance to prove to myself that I belong here. Baptism by fire I guess, going straight into the belly of the beast."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Back to future 'excites' Carrigan on Maroons benching
Pat Carrigan was such a success in his Queensland debut off the bench in 2022 that coach Billy Slater will play him there again in a do-or-die State of Origin roll of the dice. The benching of regular Maroons lock Carrigan for game two of the series in Perth next week came as a shock to NSW, particularly second-rower Angus Crichton who insisted it was a "mind games" ploy. Crichton refused to believe the Maroons team list which has Melbourne forward Trent Loiero named at No.13 and Carrigan at No.17. Queensland can of course make a late switch if they choose but closer inspection reveals there is method in Slater's apparent madness. In game one of 2022, Carrigan had one of the great Maroons debuts off the bench. He smashed Jack Wighton with his first tackle and his opening run was hailed by Slater post-match as "a momentum shift for us" in a 16-10 win at Accor Stadium. The Brisbane forward came on in the 15th minute and played the rest of the match on the way to 183m from 19 runs and making 34 tackles. He was even in contention for the man of the match award. "We've had some conversations with Bill and it's all about what is best for the balance of our team," Carrigan said of his positional switch. "I won't touch on it too much but I think it is about getting the best out of each other as a team and creating a bit of havoc when I get on the field. "I just want to do my role for the team. I know that the boys that start are going to lay the foundations for us. "Coming off the bench ... I am excited. It gives me an opportunity to get into the game and make a difference." The 27-year-old also played game two of the 2022 series off the bench but has lined up at lock for his last eight Origin matches, including the 18-6 loss in Brisbane in game one this year where he topped the tackle count with 53 and ran for 139m. Carrigan may have paid a price for the Maroons' poor start in game one where penalties and a failure to win the ruck cost his side. "They probably won the ruck definitely when you look back at it. Our discipline was pretty poor and I was there at the start of the events," he said. "When you give the opposition so much footy you make it hard for yourself. The effort was always there but just our start let us down." Carrigan said he had ultimate faith that Loiero would do the job at lock. "He's playing for Melbourne at the moment and Billy watches every habit in everyone's game," he said. "I know Billy trusts him to do his job and we trust him too." Pat Carrigan was such a success in his Queensland debut off the bench in 2022 that coach Billy Slater will play him there again in a do-or-die State of Origin roll of the dice. The benching of regular Maroons lock Carrigan for game two of the series in Perth next week came as a shock to NSW, particularly second-rower Angus Crichton who insisted it was a "mind games" ploy. Crichton refused to believe the Maroons team list which has Melbourne forward Trent Loiero named at No.13 and Carrigan at No.17. Queensland can of course make a late switch if they choose but closer inspection reveals there is method in Slater's apparent madness. In game one of 2022, Carrigan had one of the great Maroons debuts off the bench. He smashed Jack Wighton with his first tackle and his opening run was hailed by Slater post-match as "a momentum shift for us" in a 16-10 win at Accor Stadium. The Brisbane forward came on in the 15th minute and played the rest of the match on the way to 183m from 19 runs and making 34 tackles. He was even in contention for the man of the match award. "We've had some conversations with Bill and it's all about what is best for the balance of our team," Carrigan said of his positional switch. "I won't touch on it too much but I think it is about getting the best out of each other as a team and creating a bit of havoc when I get on the field. "I just want to do my role for the team. I know that the boys that start are going to lay the foundations for us. "Coming off the bench ... I am excited. It gives me an opportunity to get into the game and make a difference." The 27-year-old also played game two of the 2022 series off the bench but has lined up at lock for his last eight Origin matches, including the 18-6 loss in Brisbane in game one this year where he topped the tackle count with 53 and ran for 139m. Carrigan may have paid a price for the Maroons' poor start in game one where penalties and a failure to win the ruck cost his side. "They probably won the ruck definitely when you look back at it. Our discipline was pretty poor and I was there at the start of the events," he said. "When you give the opposition so much footy you make it hard for yourself. The effort was always there but just our start let us down." Carrigan said he had ultimate faith that Loiero would do the job at lock. "He's playing for Melbourne at the moment and Billy watches every habit in everyone's game," he said. "I know Billy trusts him to do his job and we trust him too." Pat Carrigan was such a success in his Queensland debut off the bench in 2022 that coach Billy Slater will play him there again in a do-or-die State of Origin roll of the dice. The benching of regular Maroons lock Carrigan for game two of the series in Perth next week came as a shock to NSW, particularly second-rower Angus Crichton who insisted it was a "mind games" ploy. Crichton refused to believe the Maroons team list which has Melbourne forward Trent Loiero named at No.13 and Carrigan at No.17. Queensland can of course make a late switch if they choose but closer inspection reveals there is method in Slater's apparent madness. In game one of 2022, Carrigan had one of the great Maroons debuts off the bench. He smashed Jack Wighton with his first tackle and his opening run was hailed by Slater post-match as "a momentum shift for us" in a 16-10 win at Accor Stadium. The Brisbane forward came on in the 15th minute and played the rest of the match on the way to 183m from 19 runs and making 34 tackles. He was even in contention for the man of the match award. "We've had some conversations with Bill and it's all about what is best for the balance of our team," Carrigan said of his positional switch. "I won't touch on it too much but I think it is about getting the best out of each other as a team and creating a bit of havoc when I get on the field. "I just want to do my role for the team. I know that the boys that start are going to lay the foundations for us. "Coming off the bench ... I am excited. It gives me an opportunity to get into the game and make a difference." The 27-year-old also played game two of the 2022 series off the bench but has lined up at lock for his last eight Origin matches, including the 18-6 loss in Brisbane in game one this year where he topped the tackle count with 53 and ran for 139m. Carrigan may have paid a price for the Maroons' poor start in game one where penalties and a failure to win the ruck cost his side. "They probably won the ruck definitely when you look back at it. Our discipline was pretty poor and I was there at the start of the events," he said. "When you give the opposition so much footy you make it hard for yourself. The effort was always there but just our start let us down." Carrigan said he had ultimate faith that Loiero would do the job at lock. "He's playing for Melbourne at the moment and Billy watches every habit in everyone's game," he said. "I know Billy trusts him to do his job and we trust him too."
