Mitchell Moses has never played all three games of an Origin series.
In the five years since his Origin debut, he’s played just six matches, with injuries often ending his Origin campaigns early or spoiling them before they’ve even begun.
That’s been the frustrating reality for the 30-year-old, who is lining up alongside Nathan Cleary for only the second time in his Origin career when the Blues take to the Accor Stadium pitch on May 27.
“It’s been no secret that I obviously haven’t had the best run of injuries the last few years,” Moses said.
“I’ve been feeling really good at the moment, and coming into this Origin series I’ve been feeling really good. So, touch wood I’m injury-free this series and can punch it out. I’m excited for that challenge.”
In 2024, it was a left foot fracture that kept him for game one of the series, while a calf strain sidelined him for game two in 2025.
Reflecting on his time in the representative jersey, Moses said he’s come a long way from a debut in a dead rubber to becoming Cleary’s first-choice halves partner.
“I debuted a bit later than what normal people do as well. So, five years on, that’s gone pretty quick, to be honest,” Moses said.
“First game, I think the series was already wrapped up, and it was coming to a game three dead rubber, so it was a pretty easy transition going into my first game.
“A bit different now – I get my chance to play game one. I haven’t played many game ones. I think last year was my first game one, so hopefully I can put a long series together for the first time.”
Ahead of his first Origin appearance since last year’s series opener – won by NSW 16-6 at Suncorp Stadium – Moses says he’s learned to adjust to the intensity of the interstate series since his 2021 debut.
“It’s definitely different. It’s a different beast. Different pace, different physicality and you’ve got to put yourself in places that you’ve never been before,” Moses said.
“The physical side of it and then the lungs feel it a bit as well, it’s a pretty fast and fiery game.
“As long as you’ve got your head around that early in the week and know what you’re in for, you put yourself in a good position.”
Billie Eder is a sports reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.