Daley resists late changes for MCG Origin clash
Melissa Woods |
NSW coach Laurie Daley has resisted any temptation to make late changes with the Blues and Queensland set to take the field as named for State of Origin game two.
Daley was under pressure to start bench forward Cameron Murray in a middle forward position as the Blues look to clinch the series at the MCG but had been adamant on match eve that wouldn’t be happening.
He was true to his word, keeping Payne Haas and Mitch Barnett in the front-row and captain Isaah Yeo at lock for Wednesday night’s showdown.
Queensland are listed 1-19 as expected with coach Billy Slater’s men needing a win to square the series after losing game one 22-20 in Sydney after leading 20-0.
Slater has kept Brisbane talisman Reece Walsh at No.18 and the main interest with the Maroons bench rotation is when, or even if, the dynamic fullback will take the field.
NSW TEAM: 1 James Tedesco 2 Brian To’o 3 Tolutau Koula 4 Kotoni Staggs 5 Mark Nawaqanitawase 6 Mitchell Moses 7 Nathan Cleary 8 Payne Haas 9 Reece Robson 10 Mitch Barnett 11 Hudson Young 12 Dylan Lucas 13 Isaah Yeo (capt). Interchange: 14 Cameron Murray 15 Victor Radley 16 Addin Fonua-Blake 17 Api Koroisau 18 Ethan Strange 19 Jack Bostock
QUEENSLAND TEAM: 1 Kalyn Ponga 2 Selwyn Cobbo 3 Robert Toia 4 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5 Jojo Fifita 6 Cameron Munster 7 Sam Walker 8 Thomas Flegler 9 Harry Grant 10 Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11 Briton Nikora 12 Kurt Capewell 13 Reuben Cotter. Interchange: 14 Max Plath 15 Lindsay Collins 16 Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 17 Trent Loiero 18 Reece Walsh 19 Murray Taulagi
AAP