Keaon Koloamatangi has been floated as a potential replacement for injured NSW prop Mitch Barnett as the Blues look to wrap up the series in Perth.
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Read on for the latest NSW team developments.
18th man for game one Stefano Utoikamanu is widely regarded as the next cab of the rank after Barnett was ruled out for the season after suffering an ACL injury against the Rabbitohs.
Terell May has been in red hot form for the Tigers, but it appears he is out of favour with Laurie Daley and his coaching staff.
However, James Hooper believes Koloamatangi could offer even more than Utoikamanu after starring for Souths since Wayne Bennett switched him to the front row.
“I like Keaon Koloamatangi, watching him against the Warriors his work rate since he has moved in to the middle, big motor, played Origin before and rose to that level,” Hooper said on NRL 360.
“But I think Stefano is probably the way that they will go.”
The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio believes the connection with Blues assistant Craig Bellamy makes Utoikamanu the logical choice to replace Barnett.
“The mail is Stefano Utoikamanu,” Riccio said.
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“Again I come back to Origin coaches love these guys that have already been part of camps and that’s exactly what Stefano was as the 18th man.
“It is the natural progression for him to step up and start in this match.
“He is a big body and Craig Bellamy is another key influence here. He knows his game so well.”
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However, Queensland legend Gorden Tallis couldn’t resist lighting the fuse by questioning why Spencer Leniu can’t step up into the starting role.
Leniu famously sledged the Maroons for failing to kick off to him in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium, despite making him public enemy number one in the build-up to the game.
“Can Spencer Leniu start and play 80 minutes?” Tallis asked.
“Psychological win. Oh what he can’t play 80 minutes for you guys?”
“Will they kick the ball to him?” Hooper shot back.
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“Well if he comes on and starts with those guys in the middle, I am sure you will kick to him,” Tallis replied.
“But if you come on after all the tough stuff is done after 25 minutes. Start him and play 80 minutes.”
“You’re suggesting he ducks the hard stuff,” Riccio said.
“What front-rower in the game plays 80 minutes?” Hooper said.
“Payne Haas does, Glenn Lazarus does,” Tallis said.
“I just said pick him and let him play 80 minutes and then all of you said he can’t.”
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BLUES PREDICTED TEAM
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To’o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Zac Lomax
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Stefano Utoikamanu
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Isaah Yeo (c)
14. Connor Watson
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Hudson Young
17. Max King
Reserves:
18. Keaon Koloamatangi
