Updated ,first published
Isaiya Katoa has emerged as NSW’s playmaking insurance policy as all eyes turn to Mitchell Moses and his hamstring for the start of Origin II camp.
Moses was named on Monday in a 21-man Blues squad aiming to wrap up the series with a victory against Queensland on Wednesday week.
The Parramatta playmaker pulled up with hamstring tightness two days before game one, ruling him out of the Eels’ clash on Monday against the Bulldogs. Moses underwent another solid training session early Monday at Parramatta’s Kellyville HQ as part of his recovery.
But in a clear sign the Blues still have some concerns over his fitness, Katoa was included in what was expected to be an increased squad.
The 22-year-old is set to train with the Blues until Thursday before being released back to the Dolphins for their game against the Sydney Roosters on Friday.
Coach Laurie Daley plans to make a call on his starting 13 and extended bench by as early as Tuesday morning.
If Moses is not fit, Ethan Strange is expected to be promoted to the starting side after an outstanding debut in game one, with Katoa to be the back-up halves option on the bench.
NSW squad
Mitch Barnett (New Zealand Warriors), Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers), Stephen Crichton (Canterbury Bulldogs), Addin Fonua-Blake (Cronuilla Sharks), Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos), Isaiya Katoa (Redcliffe Dolphins), Api Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Tolu Koula (Manly Sea Eagles), Dylan Lucas (Newcastle Knights), Casey McLean (Penrith Panthers), Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels), Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly Sea Eagles), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Reece Robson (Sydney Roosters), Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane Broncos), Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders), James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers), Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers), Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)
Moses has not played since Magic Round three weeks ago, but Blues medical staff are mindful the 31-year-old was able to complete a full week’s worth of training leading up to the interstate opener.
There are also concerns over Stephen Crichton, who has required painkilling injections for an AC joint injury.
Daley said he would have no problems bringing Katoa into the squad, and he would more than handle it if Moses went astray.
“His best football is in front of him, but he’s a leader at his club, and if he gets an opportunity, he won’t let anyone down,” Daley said.
“He has a great kicking game, his organisational skills are great, he digs deep into the line, and has a magic kicking game. And he’s a good communicator.”
Wests Tigers co-captain Api Koroisau returns to the Blues side, replacing Blayke Brailey, who suffered a broken arm, while Jacob Saifiti makes way for destructive prop Payne Haas, who missed the Origin opener in Sydney because of a knee injury.
When asked if he feared the Tigers’ 68-0 loss to Penrith on Sunday might delay his Origin comeback, Koroisau smiled and said: “That’s a big yes”.
Katoa, 22, could not wipe the smile off his face as he arrived at the Blues’ team hotel at Sydney Olympic Park, and said he was delighted to be “rubbing shoulders with some of these blokes” – including one of his idols, Nathan Cleary.
“We saw on Sunday the clinic he put on [for Penrith], and that’s been his form all year, and being a Penrith junior, I looked up to him, and I still do now – I love watching him play and the way he goes about his work,” Katoa said.
“Hopefully I can get in his ear a little bit and take some notes from his book. It’s pretty surreal being in camp. I’m ready to soak it all in.”
Haas said of his return to the Blues: “To get the call from ‘Loz’ [Daley] means the world, and I can’t wait to do my job for the state.
“I was proud of the boys, I was proud to be from NSW [when watching game one], and to see the fight in the boys, that’s a ‘true blue’.
“We need to hold on to that, and go after it in game two. It would mean the world to win the series. I’ll be present now, and enjoy the week with the boys.”
Haas was not bothered about Queensland’s selections, including the recall of his Broncos teammate Reece Walsh.
“I don’t really care to be honest,” he said.
Centre Casey McLean came from the field early in Penrith’s match with an ankle injury, but was cleared of any serious damage late on Sunday.
He had a noticeable limp outside the team hotel, but said he would pose no risk.
“It feels good; it was scary at first, but the scans came back all good,” McLean said.
Meanwhile, Queensland have recalled Broncos fullback Reece Walsh on to the extended bench. Cowboys back-rower Heilum Luki has also been named, while Walsh’s Brisbane teammate Ezra Mam drops out.
Maroons coach Slater, one of Queensland’s greatest fullbacks, said he would “keep in-house” the reasons why he elected to pick Walsh in the midst of a form dip but backed the star Bronco to do his job.
Walsh is essentially cover, should starting fullback Kalyn Ponga suffer an injury early and Slater said it was “the best thing for the footy team” that he take his place in a bench super-sub role.
Queensland team for Origin II
Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights), Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins), Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), Jojo Fifita (Gold Coast Titans), Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm), Sam Walker (Sydney Roosters), Thomas Flegler (Dolphins), Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans), Briton Nikora (Cronulla Sharks), Kurt Capewell (New Zealand Warriors), Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys), Max Plath (Dolphins), Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins), Trent Loiero (Melbourne Storm), Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos), Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys), Heilum Luki (North Queensland Cowboys).
