NSW Name 21-Man Squad for State of Origin Game II – Four Pointer News Summary:

- Laurie Daley has named a 21-man NSW Blues squad for State of Origin Game II at the MCG on Wednesday 17 June.

- Mitchell Moses returns at five-eighth, pushing Game I debutant Ethan Strange to the bench.

- Stephen Crichton has been ruled out, with Casey McLean set to partner Kotoni Staggs in the centres.

- Payne Haas returns to the starting front row alongside Addin Fonua-Blake, with Mitch Barnett shifting to the bench.

Daley Sticks With Tedesco Despite Edwards Push

James Tedesco retains the No.1 jersey despite a less than vintage performance in the series opener, with the unlucky Dylan Edwards again overlooked. 

Brian To'o and Tolu Koula are locked in as the Blues wingers as Daley keeps faith with the back three combination that got the job done at Accor Stadium.

The centres have been forced into a reshuffle following Stephen Crichton's withdrawal after the Bulldogs-Eels clash on Monday afternoon. 

That opens the door for Casey McLean to partner Kotoni Staggs in what shapes as a pivotal midfield pairing at the MCG.

Moses Returns, Strange to the Bench

The halves story is the headline act. Mitchell Moses is back from injury and will be given every chance to slip into the sky-blue No.6 alongside Nathan Cleary, who again steers the side around the park. Ethan Strange, who impressed on debut at five-eighth in Game I, looks set for a bench role with Daley clearly keen to retain his playmaking spark.

Isaiya Katoa has also been named in the 21-man squad as halves cover should Moses fail to prove his fitness in time for kick-off.

Hooker Battle Settled by Injury

The race for the starting No.9 jumper has taken a dramatic turn. Reece Robson was under serious pressure from Cronulla skipper Blayke Brailey, but the Sharks rake's broken arm has ended that contest. 

The Roosters hooker holds his spot, with veteran Api Koroisau brought into the squad as the dummy-half utility option.

A Pack Built for MCG Heat

Up front, Payne Haas returns to start alongside Addin Fonua-Blake, with Mitch Barnett shifting back to a bench impact role. Knights’ teammate Dylan Lucas is set to push into the final 19 after Jacob Saifiti missed out.

The back-row mix remains untouched, with Haumole Olakau'atu, Hudson Young and skipper Isaah Yeo providing plenty of grunt. Cameron Murray and Victor Radley loom as the enforcers off the pine.

NSW Blues Game 2 Team List:

1. James Tedesco

2. Brian To’o

3. Casey McLean

4. Kotoni Staggs

5. Tolutau Koula

6. Mitchell Moses

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Payne Haas

9. Reece Robson

10. Mitch Barnett

11. Hudson Young

12. Dylan Lucas

13. Isaah Yeo (C).

14. Cameron Murray

15. Victor Radley

16. Addin Fonua-Blake

17. Apisai Koroisau

18. Ethan Strange

19. Mark Nawaqanitawase

20. Haumole Olakau’atu

21. Isaiya Katoa 

State of Origin Game 2 Match Details 

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026. 

Kick-off: 8:05pm AEST. 

Location: MCG, Melbourne.