There is no denying that Mitchell Moses deserves to be in the NSW Blues squad but debate continues to swirl around whether he is the ideal candidate to compliment Nathan Cleary in the halves.
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Bringing consistency, composure, intelligence and a strong kicking game, Moses is one of the NRL’s elite playmakers for a number of seasons and deserves to don the Blues jersey once again.
However, there is a growing discussion that the Blues may benefit more by having a traditional five-eighth alongside Cleary in the halves rather than another halfback.
This would allow the Penrith Panthers co-captain to be the clear organiser in attack and roam both sides of the field rather than being limited in attack.
“I think Mitchell Moses is a quality player. He’s always aimed up for NSW, (but) my preference would’ve been to have a running five-eighth,” foxsports.com.au’s Paul Crawley said on NRL 360.
“I know NSW was never going to do that (but) you sometimes wonder with the NSW team – and I know they played pretty good in Game One last year – if there’s too many cooks, to many controllers out there.”
Moses will partner Cleary in the halves.Source: Getty Images
It’s here that Crawley floated the idea of Ethan Strange as a potential option at five-eighth, suggesting the Blues would benefit more from a natural ball-runner and someone who can let Cleary play on both sides of the field.
Strange has been named on the six-man bench and could get the opportunity to make his Origin debut next Wednesday night at Accor Stadium.
“I’d like to see Cleary control the team. I’d like to see Ethan Strange out there taking on Sam Walker,” Crawley added.
“I think that could’ve been a real strength. I would rather a traditional six and a traditional seven.”
Former NSW Blues utility Braith Anasta agreed with Crawley’s comments.
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However, he stated that the combination of Moses and Cleary could work perfectly if the former decides to play second-fiddle rather than being the “man” – a role he needs to do at club level with the Eels.
“I think it’s a real valid point. They were never not going to pick Mitch and Nathan and Mitch deserves his spot,” Anasta said.
“They are both elite halves and I’d like to think that if they’re that elite and professional they can make it work and form a formidable combination.
“And find that balance where Nathan’s on the ball and (play) hopefully both sides but it is unlikely because Mitch loves that dominance.
“You see that dominance at Parramatta. He wants to be the man.”
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Another former State of Origin representative Gorden Tallis had no harm in the Blues naming Moses in the five-eighth role but admits that he needs to put his ego aside so they can flourish and play to the best of their ability.
“They’ve got ten days to prepare and you think that when you do go in rep sides, you can put your ego aside and do whatever’s best for the team,” Tallis added.
“You think that every player who walks in for both states will do (the best for the team).”