The New South Wales State of Origin team may need to make changes ahead of game two due to a knee injury sustained by Blues prop Mitchell Barnett during a match for the Warriors. Coach Laurie Daley will need to assess potential replacements as the squad prepares for their upcoming camp.
Five candidates are under consideration to fill Barnett’s spot in the team for the match in Perth on June 18.
Stefano Utoikamanu stands out as the most likely replacement, having been part of the extended squad for game one. With positive endorsements from former players, he boasts impressive stats for the Storm this season, averaging over 100 run metres and showing remarkable tackling efficiency.
Jake Trbojevic, a veteran of the Origin arena, faces speculation regarding his selection after sitting out the earlier game due to injury. Though he has a strong track record, discussions among officials suggest he may not be among the top contenders for the front-row position.
Terrell May was unexpectedly omitted from game one, despite being a strong performer for the Tigers. While his exclusion was surprising to many, it appears Daley may have prioritised other players over him, especially after some controversies surrounding him during the selection process.
Keaon Koloamatangi has been receiving attention for his recent performance switch from backrow to front row. With a significant run metre average and versatility, he could be the kind of player that NSW requires to combat Queensland’s strength in the middle.
Lastly, Jacob Saifiti has been suggested as a potential option, although it seems unlikely he’ll make the squad amid the strong competition from other candidates. Since returning from injury, he hasn’t had much of an impact on the field, which may hinder his chances.
As the Blues look to build on their recent success against Queensland, the decisions made around these players will be critical. With the new game on the horizon, fans are left curious about who will don the Blues jersey come game two.