Latrell Mitchell declared he is “ready to give it to some Queenslanders” as the Rabbitohs fullback put his hand up for a State of Origin recall – and it seems like Michael Maguire is ready to reward him for his recent form.
Fox League’s James Hooper reported on Sunday afternoon what he believes the 20-man squad will look like, revealing he is expecting Mitchell to named while Roosters utility Connor Watson is set to win a bench spot.
Hooper said on Triple M he believes Mitchell will line up in the centres, with Watson on the bench alongside Isaah Yeo, Haumole Olakau’atu and Spencer Leniu.
The NSW Blues team will be announced on Sunday night after the conclusion of Round 15!
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Barrett backs Moses for Blues return | 00:41
Meanwhile, he is also expecting Mitchell Moses to partner Jarome Luai in the halves while Dylan Edwards will be the fullback provided he gets through Sunday afternoon’s game.
Hooper is expecting Cameron Murray to be named in the squad, although it remains to be seen if he will be an inclusion in the final 17 come gameday.
He also said he has been hearing Nathan Cleary could return from his hamstring injury in time for Game 3.
LIKELY BLUES 20-MAN SQUAD according to James Hooper
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To’o
3. Latrell Mitchell
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Zac Lomax
6. Jarome Luai
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Jake Trbojevic (c)
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Cameron McInnes
14. Isaah Yeo
15. Haumole Olakau’atu
16. Spencer Leniu
17. Connor Watson
18. Matt Burton
19. Hudson Young
20. Cameron Murray
Read on for the Blues news ahead of tonight’s squad announcement at 6pm and follow along in the blog at the bottom of the page for the latest updates and have your say in our polls!
BARRETT BACKS IN MOSES AS ‘BEST OPTION’ FOR THE BLUES
Elsewhere, interim Eels coach Trent Barrett has thrown his support behind Mitchell Moses in his bid for an Origin re-call, claiming his halfback is the “best option” for the Blues.
Following the series opener, Michael Maguire’s halfback Nicho Hynes’ position in the team has come under immense scrutiny.
The Sharks gun emerged as one of the only remaining candidates after Moses came one game short of returning in time for Origin, while Nathan Cleary is nursing a hamstring injury.
Moses has now played three games since returning, and Barrett believes he’s seen enough for his superstar to receive a call from Maguire.
“I thought he was good, he did some really good things,” Barrett said in the post-match press conference.
“I thought the whole team played pretty well. I think Mitch is three games back from his foot.
“From a State of Origin point of view, he’s our best option.”
Moses scored an impressive first-half try, steaming through the middle of the field in support of a Jared Waerea-Hargreaves break.
However, it was the second week running the Eels have been unable to ice a close contest, and speaking after their Round 14 loss, league legend Braith Anasta had concerns.
“I want to see him more at the back-end when the game is on the line, that’s what happens in Origin right,” Anasta said.
“That’s when the moment matters the most… He’s still in my side, but that’s worry.”
While it is expected that Jarome Luai will retain his spot, both Andrew Johns and former Blues coach Brad Fittler said they would pick Cody Walker to partner Moses.
“It’s nothing on Jarome’s form,” Johns said on The Sunday Footy Show.
“It’s just combinations. Mitch Moses and Cody Walker complement each other far better than Moses and Luai.”
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Meanwhile, Roosters star James Tedesco was asked about his chances of remaining as the Blues’ No.1, explaining: “There’s not really much I can do.
“If Dylan is fit and can play, I think he will go back in so that’s how I see it.
“But who knows really, we saw what happened in the first camp.”
Roosters coach Trent Robinson also heaped praise on his captain, backing him to retain his fullback position.
“Ted (Tedesco) has played Ted’s model for a long, long period of time,” he said.
“Super busy, chase kicks, organise lines, high support, runs the ball. Ted does what he’s known for, that doesn’t vary at all.”
Meanwhile, Robinson also highlighted what makes Connor Watson such an important member of the Roosters’ squad as the utility had his name floated as a potential option for Maguire.
Watson, who played in the No.9 jersey this week, was in contention for NSW selection in Game I, but instead was ruled out due to a throat injury.
“I was about to put him out at centre tonight, he can play hooker, he can play No.13, he can play centre, he can play No.6. But his biggest asset is his energy,” Robinson said.
“He makes other guys feel really good about how they play, his communication skills are high, he’s an incredible teammate.
“So I think he will put his hand up and see what they decide.”
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