Blues receive positive updates for Origin II against Maroons at MCG.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has disclosed that both Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards are expected to be available for the second State of Origin match. Martin sustained a toe injury during the Blues’ 38-10 defeat to Queensland in the series opener, while Edwards was unable to make his debut due to a quad issue. Despite these setbacks, Cleary is optimistic that both players will be ready for the next Origin game.

Although Martin and Edwards are unlikely to participate in the Panthers’ upcoming match against Manly, Cleary is hopeful they will be fit for the following week’s game against Newcastle. This is promising news for Blues coach Michael Maguire, as his team prepares for a crucial match at Melbourne’s MCG on June 26 to keep the series alive.

Cleary commented on Martin’s condition, stating, “It’s nothing too long term, he was just a bit sore after the game. He should be fine for Origin II.” Regarding Edwards, Cleary noted, “Dyl has had a couple of runs since the injury, and it’s not serious. The timing wasn’t ideal, but he’ll definitely be fit for game two and ready for us next week.”

However, the Blues face other injury challenges. Tom Trbojevic and Nathan Cleary have been ruled out of Origin II due to hamstring injuries. Meanwhile, Knights center Bradman Best (hamstring), Souths captain Cameron Murray (hip), and Roosters utility Connor Watson (throat), who missed the first game, are all working towards being fit for the MCG clash.

Best is competing with Latrell Mitchell and Matt Burton for the center position vacated by Joseph Suaalii, who is suspended for four games following a send-off in Origin I. South Sydney interim coach Ben Hornby mentioned that Murray has only an “outside chance” of playing before the teams are selected for Origin II, given his hip injury expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks from early May. Murray has been a consistent selection for Origin matches since 2019 when fit, but missed game one due to this injury.

The NSW Origin I team included notable players such as James Tedesco, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Joseph Suaalii, Zac Lomax, Jarome Luai, Nicho Hynes, Jake Trbojevic (c), Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, and Cameron McInnes, with Isaah Yeo, Haumole Olakau’atu, Spencer Leniu, and Hudson Young on the bench. Reserves included Matt Burton, Luke Keary, and Mitch Barnett.

With pressure mounting on Jarome Luai and Nicho Hynes to retain their positions in the halves, Mitchell Moses, having returned strong from a foot injury, is in contention. If Edwards is deemed fit, he is likely to replace James Tedesco. Blues hooker Reece Robson has a neck injury ruling him out of Round 14 but should not miss further game time.

The predicted Blues Origin II team includes Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax, Nicho Hynes, Mitchell Moses, Jake Trbojevic (c), Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, and Cameron McInnes, with Isaah Yeo, Matt Burton, Spencer Leniu, and Hudson Young as substitutes. Haumole Olakau’atu, Jarome Luai, and Mitch Barnett are listed as reserves.