Mitchell Moses is set to return for Origin 2 with NSW coach Laurie Daley now facing a selection dilemma.
The Parramatta Eels star was a later withdrawal from the Origin opener last week with Ethan Strange deputising in his place.
Watch every game of every round of the NRL Premiership LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Strange was at the centre of Blues’ comeback along with Nathan Cleary, scoring on his Origin debut to help his side to a 22-20 win.
He also ran 135 metres and had two line-break assists, yet he could still be left out of Origin 2 according to The Daily Telegraph.
Daley spoke highly of the Raiders youngster when asked about Moses’ potential return, with the Blues coach hinting at playing both on June 17.
“Ethan trained a bit of everywhere. He didn’t really have many reps going into Origin 1 so his performance was outstanding,” said Daley on Channel 7.
“I think we all know what a quality player Mitch Moses is and he’s a big part of the team.
“Obviously he’s missed the last couple of Origin games but I think he’s a big part of our team.
“His style of footy with his kicking game, his ability to organise, his ability to pass is different to Ethan’s but if they are both fit they will both be there somewhere.”
While Moses’ return could mean Strange is replaced at five-eighth, he could still line up against the Maroons.
Strange has played at centre in the NRL and even scored a hat-trick for Blues in 2023 Under-29s Origin.
“I think Mitch has proven himself at that level in the past, and he’s a very important member of the team,” Daley added.
“It’s not a bad hammy, and to be fair, the doc said if he had a week to recover, he would. It was really minor.
“The beauty with Ethan is you can also play him anywhere, not just No. 6, but in the centres and even lock.”
Originally published as Laurie Daley hints at Mitch Moses return despite Ethan Strange’s star performance in Origin 1