Daley puts deadline on players amid niggles

Thanks for tuning into Wide World of Sports’ LIVE coverage of the Origin II selections.

Laurie Daley has a number of players coming into camp with injury niggles, namely Stephen Crichton and Mitch Moses.

The Blues coach is essentially giving them until Thursday to prove they’re fit.

“By the Thursday they need to be humming because you don’t want to take guys in that are underdone,” he said.

“They need to make sure they can hit the paddock and have confidence in their own preparation. I think that’s the key. It’s more about getting themselves ready to go by having that week to prepare instead of getting to the weekend and not feeling great.”

NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has explained why he selected Isaiya Katoa in the squad and has confidence he could step in and play a role immediately.

“I think he’s a player right now,” he said.

“I think he could step in and play in the halves for NSW. I think we’re very lucky to have him.

“His best football is obviously in front of him but he’s another leader at his club and if he gets an opportunity I’m sure he won’t let anyone down.

“For me, I like what he brings to a footy team. He’s got a great kicking game, his organisational skills are great, he digs into the line, he’s a good communicator. It’s all the ingredients you need from a half.”

Nine’s Danny Weidler has revealed that Isaiya Katoa will shadow Mitchell Moses at Blues training throughout the week, amid ongoing concern about the playmaker’s fitness.

Moses has been working over the past week to recovery from a hamstring injury, working with Parramatta trainers earlier on Monday to complete his fitness tests.

However, the Blues have erred on side of caution of named Katoa in their squad, in case Moses can not play next week.

Katoa, 22, is not worried by the possibility that he may not play.

“I doesn’t matter to me,” he told reporters, including 9News.

“Just to be involved in camp and have my name alongside these guys like Payne (Haas, who was standing nearby) is pretty special.

“I am just grateful to be rubbing shoulders with some of these blokes.”

Dylan Lucas is also expected to arrive in camp.

The official team list will be named at 7pm.

Stephen Crichton is reportedly set to return in the Blue jersey for game two, despite concerns about his shoulder.

The Bulldogs skipper admitted that he “has not been my best” when speaking with Fox League after his club’s 14-12 win over the Parramatta Eels on Monday.

He then revealed the severity of the shoulder injury he has been playing through.

“The body is going alright,” he said.

“Last week when I did my shoulder again against the Tigers, I just ripped all the cartilage off.

“They (medics) were saying it is a good thing to do now because there is no pain.

“I came into this week’s game with no needle (injection). It is weird how these things work, hey.”

As per the Sydney Morning Herald, this is how the Blues will line-up.

1. James Tedesco
2. Brian To'o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Kotoni Staggs
5. Tolu Koula
6. Mitchell Moses
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Addin Fonua-Blake
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Hudson Young
12. Haumole Olakau'atu
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Cameron Murray
15. Victor Radley
16. Mitchell Barnett
17. Api Koroisau
18. Ethan Strange
19. Casey McLean
20. Isaiya Katoa

Nine’s cameras are at the hotel that the NSW Blues will be staying at this week.

Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o, Casey McLean and Victor Radley have all checked in.

Mitch Barnett and Haumole Olkakau’atu have also pulled up at the same time. Payne Haas was also seen jumping out of a car and heading into the hotel.

An excited Isaiya Katoa has also spoken to media, admitting he is “excited to rub shoulders” with some of the best in the game.

The team will be announced after the Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels’ clash at Accor Stadium. It is currently 12-0 in favour of the Bulldogs.

But some players have already begun checking into NSW’s hotel for the next week.

Mitchell Moses has reportedly, as per Sydney Morning Herald reporter Christian Nicolussi, already checked in. He is currently sitting in the coach’s box watching the Eels play.

Meanwhile, Api Koroisau has also just arrived at the team hotel.

He was asked if he was concerned that the Tigers 68-point thrashing may have impacted his call-up.

“That’s a big yes,” Koroisau replied.

A handful of changes are expected to be made by the Blues come time for the team announcement tonight, with some stars ruled out due to injury.

The Daily Telegraph is reporting that Api Koroisau and Isaiya Katoa will be named in the NSW Blues squad later this evening.

Koroisau will come in to replace Blayke Brailey, who broke his arm while playing for the Sharks. Katoa, as per the Sydney Morning Herald, will be 20th man.