update ,First published
Isaiya Katoa has emerged as NSW’s playmaking insurance policy as all eyes turn to Mitchell Moses and his hamstring for the start of the Origin II camp.
Moses will be included in a 21-man Blues squad aiming to wrap up the series with a win against Queensland on Wednesday.
The Paramatta playmaker pulled up with a hamstring strain two days before the first game, ruling him out of the Eels’ clash against the Bulldogs on Monday. Moses had another solid training session early on Monday at Parramatta’s Kellyville headquarters as part of his recovery.
But in a clear sign the Blues still have some concerns over his fitness, Katwa was included in what was expected to be a boost to the squad.
The 22-year-old is set to train with the Blues until Thursday before returning to the Dolphins for their game against the Sydney Roosters on Friday.
NSW will know by the weekend if Moses is fit to face Queensland. If he isn’t, expect Ethan Strange to be promoted into the starting side after his impressive debut in game one, with Katwa the backup half option on the bench.
NSW Squad (Probable)
Mitch Barnett (New Zealand Warriors) Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers) Stephen Crichton (Canterbury Bulldogs) Addin Fonua-Blake (Cronella Shark) Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos) Isaya cut (Red Cliff Dolphins) You are Kurosawa (Wests Tigers) Take a drink (male sea eagle) Dylan Lucas (Newcastle Knights) Casey McLean (Penrith Panthers) Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Alice) Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs) Haumole Olakau’atu (male sea eagle) Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters) Reese Robson (Sydney Roosters) Cottony Stags (Brisbane Broncos) Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders) James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters) Brian To (Penrith Panthers) Jesus (Penrith Panthers) Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)
Moses has not played since the Magic Round three weeks ago, but the Blues’ medical staff are mindful that the 31-year-old was able to complete a full week of training leading up to the interstate opener.
There are also concerns about Stephen Crichton, who needs a painkiller injection for an AC joint injury.
Wests Tigers co-captain Api Kurosao returns to Blakey’s team in place of Blakey Barley, who suffered a broken arm, while safety Jacob Safiti makes way for devastating prop Payne Haas, who missed the Origin opener in Sydney with a knee injury.
Asked if he feared the Tigers’ 68-0 defeat by Penrith on Sunday could delay his actual return, Koroisau smiled and said: “It’s a big yes”.
Katwa, 22, couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he arrived at the Blues team hotel at Sydney Olympic Park, saying he was delighted to be “rubbing shoulders with some of these blokes” – including one of his idols, Nathan Cleary.
“We saw the clinic he held on Sunday. [for Penrith]And that’s been his form all year, and being a Penrith junior, I looked up to him, and I still do – I love watching him play and the way he goes about his job,” Katwa said.
“Hopefully I can be in his ear a little bit and take some notes from his book. It’s so surreal to be at camp. I’m ready to take it all in.”
Haas said of his return to the Blues: “To get the call from ‘Loose.’ [Daley] Means the world, and I can’t wait to do my bit for the state.
“I was proud of those guys, I was proud to be from NSW. [when watching game one]and to see the boys fight, it’s a ‘true blue’.
“We need to keep it up, and chase it down in Game Two. That would mean winning the World Series. I’ll just be there, and enjoy Saturday with the guys.”
Haas was unconcerned about Queensland’s selection, including the recall of his Broncos teammate Rhys Walsh.
“I really don’t care to be honest,” he said.
Center Casey McLean came off the field early in the Penrith match with an ankle injury, but was cleared of any serious damage late on Sunday.
He had a noticeable limp outside the team hotel, but said he would be in no danger.
“It looks good; it was scary at first, but the scans all went well,” McLean said.
Meanwhile, Queensland have recalled Broncos fullback Rhys Walsh to the extended bench. Cowboys back-rower Helm Loki has also been named, while Walsh’s Brisbane team-mate Ezra Mumm has been left out.
Maroons coach Slater, one of Queensland’s biggest fullbacks, said he would keep “internal” the reasons he chose to pick Walsh amid a dip in form but backed the star Bronco to do his job.
Walsh is primarily a cover, starting fullback should Klein Ponga suffer an early injury and Slater said it was “the best thing for the footy team” to take his place in the super sub role off the bench.
Queensland Team for Origin II
Clean Poonga (Newcastle Knights) Sylvain Cobo (dolphins) Robert Toya (Sydney Roosters) Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (dolphins) Jojo Fayetta (Gold Coast Titans) Cameron Minister (Melbourne Storm) Sam Walker (Sydney Roosters) Thomas Flagler (dolphins) Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm) Tino Phasomalai (Gold Coast Titans) British Nakura (Cronulla Shark) Kurt Capwell (New Zealand Warriors) Robin Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys) Maxplot (dolphins) Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters) Kolkefo Fynfewiaki (dolphins) Trent Lowero (Melbourne Storm) Reese Walsh (Brisbane Broncos) Murray Tolgi (North Queensland Cowboys) Helm Loki (North Queensland Cowboys)
With AAP
