State of Origin: Pacific rugby league great stoked about Blues keeping series alive

The return of Latrell Mitchell and Mitchell Moses for New South Wales has been lauded in the Blues’ bashing of Queensland during game two of their State of Origin clash in Melbourne last week.

Moses was everywhere in the first half as his side scored more than 30 unanswered points - a first in the ‘battle of the states’. The Blues went on to win 38-18.

Moses delivered his best Origin performance and looks set to claim the Number 7 jumper for game three in Brisbane in just over two weeks.

He wasn’t the only player wreaking havoc on the Maroons. Latrell has been flying under the radar leading into his NSW return after three years.

So, Moses won’t be the only Mitchell in the Blues’ squad for the must-win clash either.

The Blues looked unstoppable in the first half, leading at the half 32-0 which is the most points scored in a half in State of Origin history.

Blues head coach Michael McGuire made several key changes to the side, including the return of Mitchell and Moses.

Pacific Grandstand host Willie Poching says the pair made a huge improvement to the Blues go-forward game compared to game one in Sydney which Queensland won 38-10.

“The guys they brought in made their team a lot better. Latrell coming in, his form over the last couple weeks at the Bunnies justified his selection (and) he vindicated that last night.

“Mitchell Moses played well in his two games back for Parra, forced his way in (to the squad) and man of the match says it all.”

The Maroons only made three changes from their game one team, with head coach Billy Slater bringing in Kurt Capewell to the bench replacing Selyn Cobbo, who was a standout for them in Sydney.

Poching says it will be interesting to see if Slater will shake up the side for game three.

“Queensland isn't known for making so many changes, we’re loyal like that. So it will be interesting to see what Billy does, and what or if any changes are made.

“My issue for the Queenslanders are more tactical than the personnel. Personnel got it done in game one, but there are a couple of players waiting in the woods: (Jamayne) Hopgood, (Brendan) Piakura, (Ezra) Mam. Those sorts of guys who have been around the team this series.

“Is it time to give them a shout? If they’ve been good in training, and only Billy knows that, maybe it’s time to give them a go.”

The two sides now head to Suncorp Stadium for the decider on 17 July. The Blues have never won a series decider in Brisbane, and the last time both teams met for the decider in 2022, the Maroons ran away with the championship title but not after getting thrashed in game two.

“New South Wales would have enjoyed the win, they go back to their clubs but when they come back they need to get their feet underneath them,” Poching says.

“Get rebalanced, composed, and go again, have a similar camp to what they did because that’s what worked.

“For Queensland coming off a loss, you can over analyse but there were some things they did well. It was more attitudinal, the Blues had a better attitude, especially in that first half. And it shocked Queensland, so if they can fix that mentality and get back to that ruthlessness they had in game one.

“We’ll see what team they roll out in front of a really loud, focused, and hungry Suncorp audience.”