Mark Nawaqanitawase has been called into New South Wales' squad for State of Origin II after Stephen Crichton was ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Blues coach Laurie Daley has confirmed that Crichton will miss next week's clash in Melbourne after continuing to struggle with an AC joint injury.
Daley says Crichton had been carrying the injury for some time and would not have been able to complete sufficient training, particularly contact sessions, ahead of the match.
Nawaqanitawase, who plays on the wing for the Sydney Roosters and previously represented Australia, has been named in jersey 19 as outside-back cover.
Daley describes the decision to bring Nawaqanitawase into the squad as an easy one, pointing to his performances for the Kangaroos last year and his hat-trick for the Roosters against the Raiders on Friday night.
He says Nawaqanitawase was excited when informed of his selection and has built a strong rapport with several members of the NSW squad.
Meanwhile, Penrith centre Casey McLean has also been promoted into the starting side to replace Crichton in the centres after impressing in Origin I when he came off the bench following Tolu Koula's concussion.
Daley praised McLean's performance in the series opener, saying he handled the pressure exceptionally well despite not expecting significant game time.
The Blues coach also expressed confidence that halfback Mitchell Moses will be fit for Origin II despite missing Parramatta's clash against the Bulldogs due to a hamstring concern suffered during Origin camp.
Daley says Moses is progressing well and continues to tick all the necessary boxes ahead of the match.
Warriors forward Mitchell Barnett has retained his place in the NSW squad, while Queensland has promoted Kiwis forward Briton Nikora to its starting side for game two.
Origin II will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground at 10.05pm next Wednesday.
Source: stuff.co.nz
