Dylan Lucas is set to be promoted to the NSW Blues’ six-man bench for Game II, and the move could put him in line for an Origin debut when Laurie Daley unveils his squad on Monday night. Payne Haas’ return after missing the series-opener is driving the reshuffle, with NSW forced to alter the shape of its bench as the Blues try to cover the fallout from injuries and omissions.
That change matters because the bench picture is already crowded. Addin Fonua-Blake is expected to be pushed into the six-man group, alongside Ethan Strange and Casey McLean, while Lucas’ rise gives Daley another option for a match that will demand flexibility from the opening whistle. Casey McLean said on Sunday night that he should be fine to head into Blues camp after the ankle injury he suffered against the Tigers, easing one concern for the selectors before they finalise the side.
The selection squeeze does not stop there. Blayke Brailey is injured, Jacob Saifiti has been dropped and that leaves Daley with a choice that could shape the balance of the bench: if Lucas is added, either Fonua-Blake makes way or NSW goes without a second hooker replacement for Brailey. Game I hero Ethan Strange is one possible answer, with the youngster able to cover a few minutes at hooker in relief of Reece Robson if needed.
Other names are sliding the wrong way. Mark Nawaqanitawase is likely to be overlooked, and Liam Martin is also expected to miss out despite his representative experience. Mitchell Moses is still waiting on a Monday fitness test with Parramatta, and if he fails, Strange would replace him while Katoa is elevated onto the extended bench. For Daley, Monday night is less about announcing a squad than deciding how many problems he can solve with one bench.
The Blues will answer those questions when the Game 2 team is officially named on Monday night, but the outline is already clear: Haas is back, Lucas is rising, and NSW may have to give up size, cover or both to make the pieces fit.
