- Mitchell Moses ruled out of Origin II
- Suffered a calf strain at training
- Replacement is Tigers star Jarome Luai
NSW five-eighth Mitch Moses has been ruled out of the second State of Origin match after suffering a calf strain at training.
The injury is a big blow to the Blues’ hopes of sealing a series victory in Perth on Wednesday.
The Blues have since confirmed Wests Tigers star Jarome Luai will be a direct swap.
Moses was preferred to Luai for the opening game of the series.
It is understood Luai’s handling of his demotion before game one impressed coach Laurie Daley and NSW staff.
Statistically, Cleary and Luai are the most successful halves pairings in NRL history by win percentage after 50 games.
NSW five-eighth Mitch Moses has been ruled out of the second State of Origin match after suffering a calf strain at training
The Blues will determine the Parramatta five-eighth’s replacement later on Thursday afternoon, with Wests Tigers star Jarome Luai expected to be a direct swap
The duo won four premierships together at Penrith before Luai moved to the Tigers on a deal worth a reported $1.2million a season.
‘It’s terrible, isn’t it? Mitch played really well in game one,’ said Daley following the injury.
‘We are unsure of how bad it is, but he won’t be any good for Wednesday with the short turnaround.
‘(Luai) played there last year, has got a good combination with Nathan (Cleary) and he’s that left-side player.
‘He’ll do a fine job.’
The development means Bulldogs star Matt Burton, considered the other contender to replace Moses, will remain 18th man as initially planned.
Luai will arrive at the Blues’ team hotel in Leura on Thursday afternoon.
