NSW will be boosted by the inclusion of Latrell Mitchell for a must-win clash on Wednesday – and one previous coach believes it could sway the series in their favour.
The 26-year-old has been selected in the centres for the Blues, ending a lengthy absence from the State of Origin arena as they fight back from a horror game one loss.
Mitchell was one of five changes made by coach Michael Maguire, with halfback Mitchell Moses and lock-forward Cameron Murray also recalled for the match in Melbourne.
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Speaking to media at a special press conference on Monday morning, former coach and Blues great Laurie Daley admitted the Rabbitohs star brings some much-needed “firepower” to the backline following a 38-10 defeat in the series opener.
“I think they will be very desperate because they need to win to keep the series alive and I think that will be one of the reasons why we can win,” he said.
“I’m expecting it to be a high-scoring game. I think with the team that they’ve picked, in particular having Latrell Mitchell back there, gives them some firepower that they didn’t have. I’m expecting both teams to use the ball if the conditions are right.
“With this team, having [Stephen] Crichton and Latrell in the centres, they just have a bit of wow factor and X-factor and we’re hoping they can produce their best.
”I think this NSW team has got more points in them and it looks a more rounded team. I’m hoping that we can start well and start fast. If we can do that and put Queensland under a bit of pressure, I think we are in the right space and it will give us confidence.”
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Mitchell has been the focal point of the lead-up to game two, burying the hatchet with Spencer Leniu before turning his attention to tormenting the Maroons.
Ben Hunt shut down suggestions that the fiery Blues star is having an impact on their own preparations and those sentiments were echoed by former coach, Mal Meninga.
”They’ll give him some sort of preparation when they talk about the opposition – but it’s all about the Queensland side,” he said.
“They will just be worried about what they do and NSW has to win, but to combat that, Queensland have got to be at their best and have their wits about them.
“Val Holmes will obviously be up against him and we know how great Val goes in the big games … it will be interesting.”
Queensland made just two changes for the clash at the MCG, with Selwyn Cobbo and J’maine Hopgood out due to injury, opening the door for veteran duo Kurt Capewell and Felise Kaufusi to earn a recall.