Origin II expert tips: Big claim Blues are 'stronger' after Mitchell Moses injury as halves backed to dominate
New South Wales was rocked by an in-camp injury to star five-eighth Mitchell Moses last week.
But iconic former Blues coach Phil Gould actually believes the unfortunate situation will make the team "stronger" on game night.
Wests Tigers No.6 Jarome Luai was rushed into camp in the Blue Mountains late last week and he will retake his State of Origin jersey.
LIVE UPDATES: State of Origin Game II
READ MORE: 'He went too far': Slater accused of 'unnecessary' reference
READ MORE: AFL icon cops massive ban over grand final allegations
He was snubbed for game one in favour of Moses but now has the chance to win the game and bring the shield back to NSW from Perth.
He lines up alongside Nathan Cleary.
Mitchell Moses was injured before game two. Getty
Together the pair have won four NRL premierships and multiple Origin games.
"Please take this the right way - I think it makes NSW stronger," Gould told Six Tackles with Gus.
"But that is nothing against Mitchell Moses. Simply because of the long-term combination between (Nathan) Cleary and Luai. This is the way I would have gone for game one.
Watch the 2025 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.
"I thought Moses did an outstanding job ... but on sheer combination under pressure, decision making under pressure, familiarity is important.
"The relationship between them and Isaah Yeo, and the fullback Dylan Edwards, it has got to make them stronger.
"NSW certainly haven't gone backwards because of the injury."
Nine's panel of experts seem to agree with Gould.
Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai. Getty
Of the 10 experts to tip a result in Wednesday night's game, all but two have backed the Blues.
And in terms of player of the match tipping, six of the experts have picked one of the NSW halves to snag the honour.
Darren Lockyer reckons newly minted Maroons captain Cameron Munster will be man of the match if he can lead his side to victory at Optus Stadium.
See Nine's expert tips for State of Origin II winner and man of the match below.
Brad Fittler: Blues by 10, Latrell Mitchell
Darren Lockyer: Maroons by 2, Cameron Munster
Andrew Johns: Blues by 20, Nathan Cleary
Paul Gallen: Blues by 10, Nathan Cleary
Danika Mason: Blues by 4, Jarome Luai
David Middleton: Blues by 12, Nathan Cleary
Peter Psaltis: Maroons by 2, Tom Dearden
Michael Chammas: Blues by 22, Jarome Luai
Mathew Thompson: Blues by 10, Nathan Cleary
The Mole: Blues by 8, Latrell Mitchell
