The Westpac NSW Blues have been dealt a blow with Panthers young gun Casey McLean ruled out after straining a quad muscle at training on Saturday morning, this means that Mark Nawaqanitawase will move from the bench to the make his Origin debut on the wing.
The Blues were going through their paces at Polytec Stadium in Gosford when the 20-year-old suffered the injury.
Manly flyer Tolu Koula moves into the centres while Dolphins winger Jack Bostock joins the bench as the replacement player.
Maroons forward Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has rejoined his teammates in camp in Melbourne following the death of his father Fereti.
Fa'asuamaleaui stayed with family in Queensland with his family after his father passed away on Saturday but has since travelled to Melbourne and looks set to play in Game Two.
Laurie Daley's men are looking to wrap up the 2026 State of Origin series while the Queensland Maroons are out to force a decider on their home turf at Suncorp Stadium.
After losing last year's series 2-1, the Blues have given themselves a gilt-edged opportunity to regain the shield courtesy of a heart-stopping 22-20 victory in Game One.
The Maroons looked to be in total control of Game One before Kalyn Ponga was sent off in the 53rd minute, with the Blues scoring three tries in the space of 16 minutes to turn a 20-6 deficit into a two-point win that gives them the advantage heading to Melbourne.
The MCG has been a happy hunting ground for the Blues with wins in five of the six matches played at the iconic venue, including a stunning 38-18 triumph in Game Two in 2024 after leading 34-0 at half-time.
Queensland's only MCG success came in 1995 under the guidance of the great Paul 'Fatty' Vautin, who led a team of underdogs to a famous series sweep of a highly fancied Blues outfit skippered by Brad Fittler.
The Blues take on the Maroons at the MCG at 10.05pm tomorrow
Source: nrl.com
