LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
New South Wales coach Laurie Daley is optimistic about Jarome Luai's return to the team in light of a significant setback for the Blues: five-eighth Mitch Moses has been ruled out of the upcoming State of Origin match due to a calf injury.
Reports indicate that Moses sustained the injury during a training session in the Blue Mountains while engaged in an attacking drill.
Despite his promising performance in the series-opening victory alongside Nathan Cleary, the injury forced the team to seek a replacement.
Daley considered other options, including Matt Burton, but ultimately decided to bring Luai into the squad.
Luai, who was training with the Wests Tigers, is expected to join the Blues in Leura on Thursday night.
"It's terrible, isn't it," Daley expressed regarding Moses' injury.
"Mitch played really well in game one and started off looking really good this week, but he injured his calf today.
We're unsure of how bad it is, but he won't be any good for Wednesday with the short turnaround so we've had to rule him out."
Luai's inclusion marks a pivotal change as the Blues prepare for the crucial second game of the series, highlighting Daley's confidence in his ability to perform alongside Cleary.