Stefano Utoikamanu selected on bench as NSW Blues stick solid for game two
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NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley has made just one change to his side for game two, with prop Stefano Utoikamanu earning a recall in the front-row rotation.
The 25-year-old will replace Mitch Barnett after the Warriors skipper suffered a season-ending ACL injury last weekend in a cruel blow.
Utoikamanu will partner Payne Haas up front for the Blues, with game one debutant Max King retaining his spot on the bench.
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Stefano Utoikamanu during camp for game one. Getty
Keaon Koloamatangi and Lindsay Smith have been included in the wider squad, with Matt Burton set to fulfil 18th man duties.
Daley had little reason to shake things up from a selection perspective heading into the clash in Perth, with the reigning champs producing a clinical win in the series opener.
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The only potential headache for coach Daley could come in the form of Mitchell Moses, who was placed on report in the dying stages of Parramatta's loss on Monday.
The five-eighth collected Daniel Suluka-Fifita with a high shot in the 30-12 defeat.
Mitchell Moses is placed on report for a high tackle Fox League
Queensland have already named their squad, with Billy Slater making multiple changes including axing captain Daly Cherry-Evans and putting Tom Dearden in at halfback.
NSW Blues game two team
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Brian To'o 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Latrell Mitchell 5. Zac Lomax 6. Mitch Moses 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Max King 9. Reece Robson 10. Payne Haas 11. Angus Crichton 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Connor Watson 15. Spencer Leniu 16. Hudson Young 17. Stefano Utoikamanu
Reserves: Matt Burton, Keaon Koloamatangi, Lindsay Smith
