Jason Ryles has insisted that Mitch Moses will be fit for the second State of Origin match, despite the five-eighth missing Parramatta's final NRL game before NSW team selection. Scratched from Origin I just a day before kick-off due to a minor hamstring injury, Moses has resumed running as he continues his recovery. However, his absence from Monday's NRL clash against Canterbury robbed him of a final opportunity to reaffirm his credentials ahead of Origin II on June 17.
Ryles Backs Moses for Origin Selection
Eels coach Ryles stated that it was not worth risking his captain and star player for Round 14, but confirmed that Moses is progressing well in his recovery. "All you need to know is, if he gets selected, he'll be right to play," Ryles said. "They just build up their speeds of running and their volumes, and he's in the middle of that at the moment. He's looking pretty good right now. Provided he has no incidents, he'll be fine."
Strange Impresses on Debut
Canberra five-eighth Ethan Strange made a superb Origin debut in Moses' absence, helping NSW clinch a 22-20 victory in the series opener last month. Despite Strange's standout performance, Blues coach Laurie Daley has previously indicated that there would be room for Moses in his 20-man squad for game two, pending his fitness. Strange starred on debut and could retain his starting spot, but Moses' experience and winning record—having won his last four Origin matches, including the 2024 series decider—make him a valuable asset.
Ryles Hopeful for Moses Selection
Moses' hamstring issue marked his second mid-Origin camp injury in as many years, but Ryles expressed hope that the playmaker would be picked. "Very comfortable with him playing Origin; he deserves it. I think every time he goes and plays, he does really well, and NSW does well," Ryles said. "It's part of having good players at your footy club. If they're playing Origin, then you're a better chance of winning each weekend." Ryles declined to comment on whether Moses would be comfortable returning from injury via NSW's bench to accommodate Strange, noting that Moses has never started from the bench in his first-grade career. "Ask Loz, he's the Origin coach, and he's doing a good job," Ryles added.
Daley Faces Tough Decisions
With Moses, the Blues have a stronger second kicking option to complement halfback Nathan Cleary, while Strange is considered a run-first five-eighth. Moses and Cleary have partnered each other just once at Origin level, in last year's game-one victory. Uncapped Dolphins playmaker Isaiya Katoa looms as a potential replacement if Daley opts against selecting Moses. Katoa was considered for game one but a head knock thwarted his call-up. The Blues will select their team following Monday's King's Birthday clash between the Bulldogs and Eels, then enter camp on NSW's Central Coast before flying to Melbourne.
