The State of Origin teams for Game 2 are taking shape with Laurie Daley set to name Mitch Moses alongside Nathan Cleary in the halves, while Billy Slater is reportedly set to recall Reece Walsh.
It means, despite Ethan Strange’s Game 1 heroics, he is expected to miss out on the No. 6 jumper.
According to Code Sports, front-rower Addin Fonua-Blake, like Strange, is set to be dropped back to the bench.
He will make way in favour of the returning Payne Haas.
Mitchell Barnett will retain his starting spot at prop, while Jacob Saifiti is expected to be axed out of the 19-man side completely after failing to take the field in Game 1.
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The main question for Daley after Game 1 is who will replace the injured Blayke Brailey on the six-man bench.
It is believed that Api Koroisau and Connor Watson are in a two-way battle for the spot, with Wayde Egan expected to be overlooked.
While after Casey McLean shone in Game 1, there have been calls for him to replace the out-of-form Stephen Crichton in the centres.
McLean hobbled off on Sunday, however, with an ankle injury, but played down its seriousness post-match.
“It’s all right,” McLean told ABC sport.
“Physios, they did all the tests they needed to, and they say I’m fine so. I suppose a bit of precautionary just to keep me off.”
And while it is believed he will be fit for Game 2, it may have created enough doubt for Daley to stick strong with his centre pairing of Crichton and Kotoni Staggs.
Mark Nawaqanitawase is also reportedly “likely” to be overlooked with Tolu Koula keeping his spot on the wing.
While Liam Martin is also expected to again miss out.
One of Isaiya Katoa and Jacob Kiraz are reportedly set to be named in the No.20, the spot occupied by Dylan Lucas for Game 1.
Reece Walsh set to be recalled
The Maroons are set to name Reece Walsh on Monday, in a huge call ahead of Game 2.
The Broncos have lost five consecutive games, and Walsh was noticeably exposed in defence during the Titans’ extraordinary boilover win.
The Broncos have lost five consecutive games, and Walsh was noticeably exposed in defence during the Titans’ extraordinary boilover win.
However, despite his poor form, on Sunday night, Code reports that Walsh has still earned a recall, replacing Mam on the bench.
Meanwhile, Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is set to debut after Carrigan was ruled out with injury.
Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi is also set to come in on Queensland’s extended bench in place of Shibasaki.
Bulldogs captain racing the clock
Stephen Crichton is reportedly in serious doubt to be selected for Game 2 as a result of a shoulder injury.
There have been rumblings the ongoing shoulder issue is the reason his form has dipped in recent weeks for the Bulldogs.
He has been selected to play for the Dogs in their Kings Birthday clash with the Eels on Monday
According to the SMH, the Blues are putting together a contingency plan if Crichton fails to prove he is fit enough to play Game 2.
According to the report, Casey McLean will get a call up to earn a spot in the starting side if Crichton forces a backline shuffle which would see McLean selected at centre or wing.
McLean was impressive in his cameo during the series opener, particularly against the high-ball.
Newcastle’s Fletcher Sharpe is reportedly being considered as McLean’s replacement on the bench.
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