Michael Maguire delivered a telling response on speculation about his potential Origin III headache, with Nathan Cleary and Tom Trbojevic set to make their returns from injury.
Both stars were leading contenders ahead of the series opener, but have been sidelined since round 10 after suffering hamstring injuries during their club matches.
Following a heavy defeat in game one, Maguire opted for five changes to his line which proved a crucial move in NSW’s surging 38-18 defeat at the MCG.
READ MORE: Reigning champion makes disastrous history
READ MORE: Clubs ‘desperate’ to lure Martin back to Australia
READ MORE: Rublev urged to quit tennis after ‘disturbing’ meltdown
However, with the shield yet to be in favour of either state, many are questioning whether Maguire will revert to the side’s previous talent to return to the Origin arena.
Trbojevic has been named in the centres for Manly’s round 18 clash against the Cowboys, while Penrith halfback Cleary has yet to confirm a return date.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary suggested the 26-year-old would likely return to the field following Penrith’s round 20 bye, meaning he would remain unavailable for game three.
Nathan Cleary during game one of the 2023 State of Origin series. Getty
Cleary has made 14 Origin appearances in the sky blue jersey, all in the No.7 jersey.
In his absence, Mitchell Moses is the leading man to remain in the main playmaking role after a standout performance in the side’s game two victory.
Maguire refused to let slip who will return to for the Blues in game three, however, suggested the side would see few changes with Cleary an unlikely selection.
“I’ve got to get through next week’s games, so that’s the first thing,” he told The Matty Johns Podcast this week.
“That’s the one thing I have learned that you can’t pick a team until you get to the Sunday night and work out what’s what and who’s fit and who’s not.
“The players I selected (in game two) were the ones I believed were best to get the job done. We were able to bring in some pretty handy ones in Cameron Murray, Latrell (Mitchell), Mitchell Moses, and Connor Watson.
“I have had a lot of discussions with Nathan (Cleary) all the way through and I know what he would say, ‘You don’t change what’s working.’
“I think we are moving towards what we want to build. And having Mitch (Moses) and Jarome (Luai), touch wood that they all get through, we’re building something very strong amongst that spine. Moving forward, you can see where we’re going.”
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
The NSW coach confirmed Trbojevic will likely have a role in the Blues game three camp, but not as a player.
“Tommy is much the same, really (as Cleary),” he said.
NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire talks to Jarome Luai and Mitchell Moses. Getty
“Tommy will float in and around the camp if he’s got the ability to get there and that’s something that they’ve all done.
“Nathan came up and Tommy came up, and when I first sort of started I used those boys as leaders amongst the group to get a bit of an idea of how things were travelling.
“But as I said, I am really confident with the group that I’ve got.”
Maguire couldn’t resist a subtle dig at his Queensland counterpart as many suspect coach Billy Slater will make some changes to his squad following the sliding defeat in game two.
“To be honest, I don’t know about changes. I guess they (the Maroons) have gone down a path where they pick and stick and they talk about that.
“They’ll present whatever they need to play and we’ll go about our prep to make sure we nullify whatever’s put in front of us.”
The former New Zealand international coach commented on the highly-anticipated return of Latrell Mitchell to the Origin arena with a dominant game two display likely to see him retain his spot in game three.
Maguire praised Mitchell’s noble and willing attitude towards his teammates.
“The one thing he (Mitchell) said is that ‘I am one little part of the team’ and ‘it’s all about the team’,” said Maguire.
“When you’ve got your players in that headspace, especially someone of his calibre, you’re in a pretty good place.
“He’s great to be around, we’ve all said that. To have him back in there and smiling and buzzing about training, it’s quite enjoyable.
Latrell Mitchell runs onto the field. Getty
“One thing Latrell probably isn’t credited for as he doesn’t play much at centre these days, is his defence.
“I thought he was actually really strong defensively out on the edge and to be able to have those two boys (Mitchell and Stephen Crichton) out there on the edges (was rewarding).
“Latrell has that presence, we all know that. It is nice to see he’s got a real smile on his face and has got that swagger back and is enjoying his football.”