LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has hinted at the possibility of Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses playing in the halves together for this year's State of Origin series, potentially leaving Jarome Luai out.
Moses and Cleary formed a successful partnership last year, with Moses impressing in Cleary's absence due to injury.
Daley praised Cleary, stating, "Nathan Cleary in my mind, if he's not the best player, he's the second-best player in the game." Cleary is likely to return as a key player for NSW if he is fit, possibly even taking on the role of captain.
However, incumbent captain Jake Trbojevic faces pressure to retain his position.
The decision on the captaincy will be made after the squad is finalized, with Isaah Yeo also being considered for the role.
The biggest debate for the Blues will be determining who partners Cleary in the halves.
Luai, who has played alongside Cleary at Penrith, has experience with him and has also performed well for the Tigers in 2025.
Despite this, Luai's record alongside Cleary at Origin level has been mixed, leaving his spot in the team uncertain.