Blues coach Laurie Daley has gone with Stefano Utoikamanu to replace Mitch Barnett in the only change to his side for their shot at wrapping up the State of Origin series in Perth next Wednesday.
After Barnett was ruled out for the year with a torn ACL last week while on club duty with the Warriors, the Blues needed to reinforce their pack and Utoikamanu beating out South Sydney powerhouse Keaon Koloamatangi to the spot.
Max King will start at prop with Utoikamanu on the bench, while Matt Burton is the Blues’ fresh reserve with Koloamatangi and Lindsay Smith reserves in the extended squad.
Manly forward Haumole Olakau’atu had been called in by the Blues camp on Monday to be part of the extended squad but he ruled himself out of contention to attend the birth of his second child with his partner.
NSW’s stability comes at a time when Queensland’s halves are undergoing monumental changes, with Daly Cherry-Evans axed for next Wednesday’s clash.
But in Cleary’s eyes, NSW’s halves are only about to get better.
The Penrith No.7’s combination with Moses was the major talking point ahead of Origin I, with both naturally dominant halfbacks in the NRL.
It paid off, with Moses fitting into the supporting role and No.6 jersey unlocking his running game as planned in the 18-6 win.
Blues head coach Laurie Daley. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
The duo hardly got in each other’s way, linked up in the lead up to one NSW try and Cleary also played a role in each of the Blues’ other three four-pointers.
NSW have only had one other all-halfback pairing this century, with Trent Hodkinson and Mitchell Pearce joining forces in the 2015 series loss.
Hodkinson spoke last month about how it became easier for the pair after they’d played one game together.
And Cleary believes it would be the same for he and Moses, as NSW hunt a second straight series win with victory at Optus Stadium next Wednesday night.
“The way Mitch and I combined was good, but I think even that, we can go to another level,” Cleary said.
“I’m looking forward to getting to camp with them again and building that.
“It’s probably just a bit of a feel thing (where we can be better). Especially when we’re under fatigue and in the tough moments of the game.
“But still I thought just generally connecting off three training sessions really was pretty good.”
Cleary said he expected to regain the kicking duties after handing over to Zac Lomax after three straight missed conversion attempts in Brisbane.
NSW Origin II team
Blues vs Maroons at Optus Stadium: 8pm, Wednesday June 18
NSW
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To’o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Zac Lomax
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Max King
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Isaah Yeo (c)
14. Connor Watson
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Hudson Young
17. Stefano Utoikamanu
18. Matt Burton
19. Keaon Koloamatangi
20. Lindsay Smith
with AAP
