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NSW Blues makes only 1 change for State of Origin game 2

NSW Blues makes only 1 change for State of Origin game 2

By Mosese Raqio
10/06/2025
Photo: Zero Tackle

NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has made just one change to his side for game two, with prop Stefano Utoikamanu earning a recall in the front-row rotation.

The 25-year-old will replace Mitch Barnett after the Warriors skipper suffered a season-ending ACL injury last weekend in a cruel blow.

Utoikamanu will partner Payne Haas up front for the Blues, with game one debutant Max King retaining his spot on the bench.

Keaon Koloamatangi and Lindsay Smith have been included in the wider squad, with Matt Burton set to fulfil 18th-man duties.

Daley had little reason to shake things up from a selection perspective heading into the clash in Perth, with the reigning champs producing a clinical win in the series opener.

The only potential headache for coach Daley could come in the form of Mitchell Moses, who was placed on report in the dying stages of Parramatta's loss on Monday.

The five-eighth collected Daniel Suluka-Fifita with a high shot in the 30-12 defeat.

The NSW Blues game two team include Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax, Mitch Moses, Nathan Cleary, Max King, Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Angus Crichton, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young, and Stefano Utoikamanu.

The reserves include Matt Burton, Keaon Koloamatangi, and Lindsay Smith.

The Blues will take on the Maroons in Origin 2 at 10.05pm next Wednesday.

Source: Nine

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