NSW Blues Announce Team for 2026 State of Origin Game 2

The head coach of the NSW Blues, Laurie Daley, has revealed his squad for the much-anticipated second match of the 2026 State of Origin series.

Jacob Saifiti and Matt Burton will not participate, having been excluded from the Game 1 lineup.

Daley opted not to specify a starting 17; instead, he released a list of 21 players arranged alphabetically.

Mitchell Moses remains a concern due to an injury and hasn't played since before the first game, which adds to the uncertainty.

Ethan Strange, who stepped in for Moses as five-eighth in Game 1, and Isaiya Katoa have both been included in the updated squad.

Katoa essentially replaces Burton, who had been a late call-up for Game 1 when Moses was deemed unfit, although the Bulldogs utility saw limited action off the bench.

In the forward pack, Payne Haas is set to join the squad, filling the spot left by Jacob Saifiti, who missed the first match entirely.

Haas is likely to start, with Mitch Barnett and Addin Fonua-Blake competing for a position alongside him.

There are no further changes to the broader squad, with Dylan Lucas included once more.

Casey McLean will also be vying for a starting place following his stint from the extended bench in Game 1.

The upcoming Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, kicking off at 8:05 PM (AEST) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The team was announced alphabetically; the following is a speculative formation for the Blues in Game 2.

1. James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)

2. Brian To'o (Penrith Panthers)

3. Stephen Crichton (Canterbury Bulldogs)

4. Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane Broncos)

5. Tolutau Koula (Manly Sea Eagles)

6. Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels)

7. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)

8. Mitchell Barnett (New Zealand Warriors)

9. Reece Robson (Sydney Roosters)

10. Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)

11. Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)

12. Haumole Olakau'atu (Manly Sea Eagles)

13. Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)