Origin II Insights: Blues Assert They’re ‘Stronger’ Without Mitchell Moses Injury as Halfbacks Prepare to Shine

New South Wales has been thrown into turmoil following an injury to star five-eighth Mitchell Moses during training last week.

However, the legendary former Blues coach Phil Gould contends that this setback may in fact bolster the team’s performance come game night.

In response to Moses’ injury, Wests Tigers No.6 Jarome Luai was quickly called into the squad in the Blue Mountains late last week, and he’s set to reclaim his State of Origin jersey.

Initially overlooked for the first match in favour of Moses, Luai now has the opportunity to help NSW clinch victory and bring the shield back from Perth.

He will be teaming up with Nathan Cleary for this pivotal match-up.

The duo boasts an impressive tally of four NRL premierships and numerous Origin games between them.

“Please understand what I’m saying – I genuinely believe it makes NSW stronger,” Gould shared on Six Tackles with Gus.

“This is not a slight against Mitchell Moses; it’s primarily due to the long-standing synergy between (Nathan) Cleary and Luai. This is the combination I would have preferred for game one.”

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“I thought Moses performed brilliantly, but when it comes to understanding each other under pressure and making crucial decisions, familiarity plays a vital role.

“The connection between them, alongside Isaah Yeo and fullback Dylan Edwards, undoubtedly strengthens the team.”

“NSW certainly hasn’t taken a step back due to the injury.”

The panel of experts at Nine appear to align with Gould’s perspective.

Among the nine experts who have made predictions for Wednesday night’s match, almost all—except for Queensland legend Darren Lockyer—have tipped the Blues to win.

When it comes to predictions for player of the match, six experts have chosen one of NSW’s halves as the most likely recipient of the honour.

Lockyer, however, believes that newly appointed Maroons captain Cameron Munster will take out the man of the match title if he leads his side to victory at Optus Stadium.

Check out Nine’s expert predictions for the outcome of State of Origin II, along with potential man of the match selections below.

Brad Fittler: Blues by 10, Latrell Mitchell

Darren Lockyer: Maroons by 2, Cameron Munster

Andrew Johns: Blues by 20, Nathan Cleary

Paul Gallen: Blues by 10, Nathan Cleary

Danika Mason: Blues by 4, Jarome Luai

David Middleton: Blues by 12, Nathan Cleary

Michael Chammas: Blues by 22, Jarome Luai

Mathew Thompson: Blues by 10, Nathan Cleary

The Mole: Blues by 8, Latrell Mitchell