From roommates to close mates: The bond driving Blues halves
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To be a fly on the wall at the Blues' Magenta Shores base throughout the past week.
While holidaymakers were playing a round of golf or enjoying all the attractions of the Central Coast, three of the smartest minds in rugby league were hunkered down plotting a NSW State of Origin series victory.
Rooming together throughout the past week were Blues stars Nathan Cleary, Mitchell Moses and James Tedesco.
Inside camp: Nathan Cleary
The sleeping arrangements were no accident, with the trio also combining prior to last month's series opener before Moses' late withdrawal with a hamstring injury. Despite the five-eighth's absence, the benefits became clear when Cleary and Tedesco combined for the match-winning try in the final minutes.
While Moses has been on restricted training duties due throughout the past week, Cleary is confident the time spent together in camp has the pair primed to lead the Blues to victory in front of an expected record crowd at the MCG.
"We've had Teddy in there with us as well, it's cool to watch footy with those guys, talk footy and they're great blokes which helps as well," Cleary said.
"Although Mitch and I have only played once together, we've been able to do a few camps and get to know each other pretty well. Just being able to train alongside him has been enjoyable, he's such a great player so I'm looking forward to taking the field with him."
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 2 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
While they have spent plenty of time together in numerous representative squads, Moses and Cleary have shared precious few moments on the field as teammates.
The pair combined to lead the Blues to victory at Suncorp Stadium in Game One last year and reunited in camp before Moses tore his calf in the lead up to the second clash.
The five-eighth missed the remainder of the series and NSW ultimately lost the final two games to relinquish the shield.
Maroons v Blues – Game 1, 2025
Cleary and Moses also travelled to England together for the Ashes tour, but coach Kevie Walters opted for Cam Munster as Cleary's halves partner in all three Tests.
Moses then injured his hamstring on the eve of last month's series opener and was replaced by Ethan Strange the day before the match.
While he hasn't played since then, the playmaker declared on Monday morning he is fit to take his place in the team and he's eager to make up for lost time.
"I love my footy," Moses said. "I watch Nate closely and it's easy for us to connect off the field and on the field. We both love our footy.
"When you come into these teams, you've got all the best players from their respective teams coming together. It's about putting your ego to the side and doing what's best for the team.
"Whatever that is, it's about nailing your role, doing it to the best of your ability and not trying to overplay your hand, and the result will sort itself out. You're not trying to come here and take full control, if you do your role properly you'll get some joy."
Moses' return brings together two of the best general play kickers in the NRL, with the Blues basing their gameplan around the playmakers.
The five-eighth's absence in Game One saw the entirety of the kicking responsibilities fall on Cleary and the Maroons placed the halfback under heavy pressure throughout the match.
Cleary dominates Origin 1
Now, with a kicker on each side of the field, both men should have more time and space to kick long and turn the Queensland pack around.
Despite this, Cleary will remain the primary playmaker in the No.7 jumper, with Moses embracing the chance to unlock his running game.
"There's no hiding that [Cleary is the halfback]," Moses said. "As long as we're connecting as much as possible on the field, we'll put ourselves in good positions to create opportunities for our outside backs.
"We've got a lot of strike in our team, a lot of quality and we've got a big pack so if they can lay a good line for us, it will make our night a lot easier.
"We haven't started well the last few Origins, there's no hiding that, but if we play the long game and connect as a spine we'll put ourselves in a good position to start well and win the game."
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.
