Mitchell Moses is acutely aware of the perceptions surrounding the selection of two prominent halfbacks in an Origin lineup.
Questions arise: Can they both effectively manage a game? Who will take the lead? And potentially the most significant concern…
Is it feasible for two natural playmakers to operate harmoniously under the intense pressure of State of Origin football?
The last occasion that Moses and Nathan Cleary took to the field together as halves was during Game 1 of the previous series, where the Blues secured an 18-6 triumph over Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.
Their performance showcased remarkable control and composure, with NSW completing 40 out of 48 sets while the duo recorded 37 tackles, 622 kick metres, 174 run metres, and 14 tackle breaks.
As the Blues gear up to reunite this dynamic partnership for yet another Origin campaign, Moses suggests that the game has transformed beyond the outdated belief that two halfbacks cannot coexist.
"Obviously, having the six on my back is a bit of a different role for myself, gotta kinda take not a backwards seat, but kind of float in, and I don't mind that," Moses reflected.
This shift requires not only tactical adjustment but also an awareness of when to step back and allow Cleary to navigate the team's movements.
"Two halfbacks can definitely work," he asserted in discussing their partnership.
"I guess it's putting your egos to the side."