Daley weighs in on burning Blues issues
NSW coach Laurie Daley speaks to Nine's Danny Weidler one month out from the State of Origin opener.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
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.
News.com.au
12 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘Ridiculous': Blues fans fume at Laurie Daley selection decision as NSW side for Game 2 is revealed
NSW coach Laurie Daley has made two changes to the Blues side that won Game 1, with Storm forward Stefano Utoikamanu replacing the injured Mitch Barnett and Lindsay Smith coming in for Haumole Olakau'atu who has withdrawn from the squad. After Barnett picked up an ugly knee injury last round, Utoikamanu was locked in a three-way battle with Keaon Koloamatangi and Terrell May for a spot on the Blues bench. Storm coach and Daley's NSW team adviser Craig Bellamy threw his support behind Utoikamanu following Melbourne's impressive 38-14 victory over the Cowboys on Friday night, suggesting he was the man for the job. The front-rower produced 146 run metres and 59 post-contact metres in 44 minutes, in a picture perfect Origin audition. 'He was in the camp as the 19th, 20th player, so you'd think he'll be right up there in the firing line,' Bellamy said after the match. And Daley has backed in the super coach, selecting Utoikamanu on the bench for Game 2, which will take place Wednesday week in Perth. Matt Burton, Koloamatangi and Campbell Graham have been selected in Daley's 20-man squad for Game 2 to be played Wednesday week. However, while Blues fans as a whole were pleased with the team selection, the decision to go with Utoikamanu over the likes of Koloamatangi or May, raised a few eyebrows. 'Kaeon should be in the team ahead of Stefano,' one fan said in response to the Game 2 team list. 'Keaon and Terell May should be there.' another added. 'Picking Stefano is ridiculous and Smith cmon now,' a third wrote. While another said: 'Loz has lost the plot. Stefano and Smith in the squad and no May, hahaha. He's got it so wrong.' Meanwhile Olakau'atu has put the birth of his second child ahead of the opportunity to be part of the Blues squad for the second State of Origin game, informing Daley of his decision to remain in NSW. Olakau'atu, who was set to be named in the extended squad, turned up at NSW headquarters to inform them of his desire to remain home to be by his partner's side as they prepare to welcome their first child into the world. Laurie Daley's confirmed NSW team for Game 2 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Brian To'o 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Latrell Mitchell 5. Zac Lomax 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Max King 9. Reece Robson 10. Payne Haas 11. Liam Martin 12. Angus Crichton 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Hudson Young 17. Stefano Utoikamanu 18. Matt Burton 19. Keaon Koloamatangi 20. Lindsay Smith Billy Slater's confirmed Maroons team for Game 2 1 Kalyn Ponga 2 Xavier Coates 3 Robert Toia 4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5 Valentine Holmes 6 Cameron Munster 7 Tom Dearden 8 Mo Fotuaika 9 Harry Grant 10 Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 11 Kurt Capewell 12 Jeremiah Nanai 13 Pat Carrigan 14 Kurt Mann 15 Lindsay Collins 16 Reuben Cotter 17 Trent Loiero 18 Corey Horsborough 19 Jack Howarth 20 Ezra Mam
ABC News
14 hours ago
- ABC News
InZane Rugby League - is Peter Wallace set to be Mal Meninga's protege?
On InZane Rugby League this week - Zane Bojack and former Raiders halfback Sam Williams are joined by Melbourne Storm General Manager of Football and NSW Head of High Performance Frank Ponissi to preview Origin 2 and discuss the likelihood of the club retaining their stars from the threat of the Perth Bears. Ponissi says he has a soft spot for the Bears as a former football boss at the club but does not want them to pillage the Storm like the Dolphins did in 2023. He said Melbourne is willing to discuss roster management with Mal Meninga to ensure the Bear's success but not at the expense of the Storm's playing list. Zane and Sam also discussed the coach Mal Meninga is chasing to be his protege, the changes Billy Slater made to Queensland for Game 2 and the weekend's magic moment in Canberra when Josh Papalii scored two tries and kicked a conversion in his record-breaking 319th match for the Raiders.
