Mitchell Moses is in doubt for the State of Origin opener as the New South Wales playmaker struggled with a hamstring issue, paving the way for a potential debut for Ethan Strange.
Five-eighth Moses trained with the Blues in Gosford today but will be sent for scans by NSW staff after complaining of tightness.
Laurie Daley’s men relocated to Sydney today after completing an opposed session against Newcastle’s NSW Cup team on the Central Coast.
The anticipated absence of Moses has led to NSW rushing Canterbury five-eighth Matt Burton into camp ahead of Wednesday night’s game at Homebush in Sydney.
“The NSW Blues, subject to ARLC (Australian Rugby League Commission) approval, will call Matt Burton into the 20-player squad as stand-by for five-eighth Mitchell Moses, who pulled up with hamstring tightness at the end of training at Polytec Stadium in Gosford,” the Blues said in a statement this afternoon.
Matt Burton has been 18th man for NSW in five of its past nine Origin games. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)
“Moses completed the team session but felt tightness as part of extra activities post the team session, and will undergo scans tomorrow to determine the extent of the injury.
“Subject to ARLC approval, Burton will join camp this evening and train with the team in their final session tomorrow ahead of game one.”
Canberra youngster Strange, who was initially named on the Blues interchange, is likely to take the number six jersey alongside halfback Nathan Cleary if Moses cannot line up.
Strange, 21, has yet to play Origin but was part of the Kangaroos tour to England over the off-season.
Legendary former Blues coach Phil Gould and NSW great Andrew Johns have praised Strange’s form over the last 18 months, including his key role in Canberra’s run to last year’s minor premiership.
Strange has 19 tries in 55 NRL games and played for NSW in the 2023 U19 State of Origin game, where he scored a hat-trick.
If Strange is named to make his debut and Burton sits on the bench without getting game time, it could mark the sixth time in the past 10 Origin games that Burton has remained on stand-by.
The former Penrith centre played two Origins in 2022 but has not added to that tally despite repeatedly being named 18th man.
AAP
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