Parramatta halfback Mitchell Moses says he’s ready to deliver for NSW after being “trusted” by coach Michael Maguire to wear the coveted number 7 jersey on Wednesday night.
The 29-year-old Eels playmaker will line up in his fourth State of Origin game on Wednesday when the Blues hit the MCG to fight to keep the shield away from Queensland.
Moses will replace Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes for the must-win clash after the 2022 Dally M Medal winner was dropped following a lacklustre performance in Game I in Sydney.
Moses said he’s excited to get his chance to help save the series for NSW.
“It feels very good. I’m really excited to get back here and put this jersey on,” he said.
“I got the call yesterday, late arvo. He (coach Maguire) just asked me if I was ready to go and I jumped at the opportunity.
“I’m thankful he gave me a call and has the trust in me to put the ‘7’ jersey on and try and get the win.”
Along with the experienced Moses, the Blues made four other changes to the side that went down to Queensland 38-10 at Accor Stadium on June 5. Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray and debutants Dylan Edwards and Connor Watson will come into the 17 at the expense of Hynes, Cam McInnis, Joseph Sua’ali’i, Hudson Young and James Tedesco.
Moses said delivering a victory for NSW in Game II is what dreams are made of.
“To be 1-nil down at the moment, to go to Melbourne and try and change the series and take it to a third game… it’s a very exciting opportunity for me and the boys,” he said.
“It’s the moments you dream of as a kid and as a halfback – you want to be in these situations.
“It’s a big opportunity for myself and the boys. It’s not going to be one player; it’s going to be all of us. We need to put in a big performance and hopefully we can do that.”
Moses only returned to the paddock a few weeks ago after missing more than two months with a broken foot. During his stint on the sideline, Parramatta failed to fire and even sacked their coach Brad Arthur as a result.
Moses said he’s grateful to be given a chance to try and even up the series.
“It means a lot,” he said.
“I obviously had that injury at the start of the year, and it was a bit upsetting with everything that’s happened at Parra and how the boys were going while I was out.
“For Madge to show trust in me, show faith in me, to be able to throw me the jersey and put the ‘7’ jersey on, I’m very thankful.”
Nathan Taylor is Parra News' sports journalist. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked in western Sydney media for more than a decade.