New South Wales name new look halfback combination ahead of Game III

State of Origin in 2021 belongs to New South Wales. The Blues have ploughed through their rivals in the opening two games and have wrapped up the series with considerable ease.

Much of their success has been down to the outstanding halfback pairing of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai. The Penrith Panthers pair have fired the Panthers to success in 2021 and did so for the Blues in Games I and II. However, injuries now mean neither will conclude the series. That means a new pair will be given the opportunity to shine as the Blues attempt to wrap up a 3-0 series win.

Mitchell Moses will finally be given the opportunity to star for the Blues. The Paramatta number seven is considered one of the finest halves in the world but has remained in the shadow of Nathan Cleary for some time. He’ll be joined by Canberra star Jack Wighton. The 2019 Clive Churchill Medal winner was one of the stars in New South Wales’ series win back in 2019.

The star-studded backline remains intact with the in form Tom Trbojevic at centre. Unfortunately for Tommy Turbo his brother won’t be joining him due to injury.

Souths pair Damien Cook and Cameron Murray will star in the pack whilst 21-year-old Payne Haas will add some extra bite from the bench.

Here’s the Blues’ team in full:

1 James Tedesco
2 Brain To’o
3 Latrell Mitchell
4 Tom Trbojevic
5 Josh Addo-Carr
6 Jack Wighton
7 Mitchell Moses
8 Daniel Saifiti
9 Damien Cook
10 Junior Paulo
11 Cameron Murray
12 Tariq Sims
13 Isaah Yeo
Substitutes
14 Apisai Koroisau
15 Angus Crichton
16 Payne Haas
17 Liam Martin