Moses on track as Nawaqanitawase looks to make his mark
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NSW debutant Mark Nawaqanitawase is out to leave his mark on the Origin arena as teammate Mitchell Moses remains on track to take his place in the Blues side in Game Two of the series.
The pair have been at the centre of separate injury dramas leading into Wednesday's clash at the MCG, with Moses nursing a hamstring strain suffered on the eve of last month's series opener.
The five-eighth hasn't played since picking up the injury and has been on restricted duties throughout the Blues camp but declared on Monday morning he will be right to take his place in the NSW team.
Inside Camp: Mitchell Moses
"I'm ready to go," Moses told reporters in Melbourne.
"I'm confident in myself. I've put the work in, I've got a few more sessions to go but I'm in a good position to be able to perform on Wednesday night."
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 2 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Nawaqanitawase's Origin debut came in unusual circumstances, with the winger the beneficiary of a string of injuries to the Blues' outside backs.
The loss of Stephen Crichton to a shoulder injury saw Nawaqanitawase come into the NSW six-man bench before Casey McLean strained his quad at training on Saturday.
The Panthers young gun, who was already under a cloud with an ankle injury, was promptly ruled out and Nawaqanitawase was rushed into the starting side.
Yep, he's back
The Roosters flyer has made a habit of producing freakish athletic feats for his club side and the Melbourne sporting faithful can expect another extraordinary act of skill at the home of the AFL.
"I love [the big moments]," Nawaqanitawase said. "One of the parts of footy that players love is the atmosphere. I've been lucky enough to play in some amazing places with amazing crowds and State of Origin is going to be up there as one of the best.
"I've heard how intense and physical this game is. I have to make sure I can breathe and focus, we're coming up against a quality side with a number of talented players.
"I'll make sure I'm not taking a break but at the same time I want to soak it all in. It's State of Origin, I've grown up watching it, it's something I've imagined being part of and now I'm actually here."
Moses is preparing to play his first Origin game since the 2025 series opener, where he combined with halfback Nathan Cleary to lead the side to victory at Suncorp Stadium.
The playmaker then injured his calf in the lead up to Game Two and missed the remainder of the series.
The injury struggles come amid a tough time for the Eels, with the club undergoing a rebuild following the arrival of coach Jason Ryles. The chance to represent NSW, Moses said, provides and outlet and an opportunity to perform on the big stage.
LV27 showmen: Mitchell Moses
"I'm not having much joy at club land so the chance to come into this arena brings new energy," Moses said. "I get excited coming into these camps.
"We haven't been going too well at Parramatta the last few years so to come in, get a chance to perform on this stage is massive. I love it and can't wait to get out there."
A record crowd is set to pack into the MCG for Game Two of the State of Origin series. Tickets are selling fast, so click here to secure your seats before they sell out.
