Blues Retain Winning Team for Origin II
One change to the lineup as New South Wales eyes series victory in Perth.
Following their triumphant start, the new South Wales Blues are keeping faith in their winning formula for Game Two of the State of origin series. With one forced change, the Blues aim to secure the shield in Perth.
King Elevated After Barnett Injury
Laurie Daley, Westpac NSW Blues coach, has largely kept the winning team intact, providing an possibility to clinch the series.The only alteration to the 17-man lineup sees Max King of the Bulldogs stepping into the starting front row.
King’s promotion comes after a season-ending ACL injury sidelined Warriors captain Mitch Barnett. King made his Origin debut in the series opener in Brisbane.
Taking King’s place on the bench is Storm front rower Stefano Utoikamanu,who was initially part of the extended squad for Game One.
Burton Named 18th Man
Due to back spasms ruling Campbell Graham out of Sunday’s match in Canberra, Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton has been named as 18th man.
Joining the extended squad are Rabbitohs forward Keaon Koloamatangi and Panthers prop Lindsay Smith, who is yet to debut for NSW. Haumole Olakau’atu withdrew because of the impending birth of his second child.
Preparation in Blue Mountains and Perth
The Blues squad will split their time between the Fairmont Blue Mountains Resort in Leura and the Westin Hotel in Perth as they gear up for Game Two. According to a recent report, teams that incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques during training have shown improved performance under pressure (ABC News).
WESTPAC NSW BLUES SQUAD for Ampol State of Origin, Game Two at Optus Stadium, Perth, Wednesday 18 June:
1. Dylan Edwards (Penrith Panthers)
2.Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers)
3. Stephen Crichton (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
4. latrell Mitchell (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
5. Zac Lomax (Parramatta Eels)
6. Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels)
7. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
8. Max King (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
9.Reece Robson (North Queensland Cowboys)
10. Payne Haas (brisbane Broncos)
11. Liam Martin (Penrith panthers)
12. Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters)
13. Isaah Yeo (c) (Penrith Panthers)
14.Connor Watson (Sydney Roosters)
15. Spencer Lenia (Sydney Roosters)
16. Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)
17. Stefano Utoikamanu (Melbourne Storm)
18. Matt Burton (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
19. keaon Koloamatangi (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
20. Lindsay Smith (Penrith Panthers)
