Back
Sports

Mitchell Moses' Hamstring Injury History and Potential Return for State of Origin Game II

Generated on: Last updated: 18 sources
View source

Mitchell Moses' Availability for NSW in the 2026 State of Origin Series

Initial Injury and Game I Absence

Mitchell Moses sustained a left hamstring injury during a New South Wales Blues training session in Gosford on Monday, May 25, approximately 48 hours before the State of Origin series opener. The injury occurred during an opposed session against the Newcastle Knights NSW Cup team while Moses was completing additional training after the main session. He was subsequently sent for scans.

NSW doctor Nathan Gibbs estimated a three-to-four-week recovery period, which made Moses unlikely to play in Game I.

A scan later confirmed the injury was a "minor hamstring tear," according to NSW Rugby League. The New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) stated that Moses completed the team session but felt tightness during post-session activities.

Replacement for Game I

Following the injury, Canberra Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange was selected to make his State of Origin debut in Moses' place. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton was called into the squad as a replacement on the bench.

NSW manager Frank Ponissi stated that Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa would have been the first-choice replacement for Moses, but Katoa was unavailable due to concussion protocols.

Katoa had suffered a concussion while playing for the Dolphins against the Canberra Raiders the previous weekend.

Moses had previously been listed to miss Parramatta's Round 14 match due to precautionary reasons. The decision was described as precautionary to avoid re-injury and was reportedly made in conjunction with the player.

Recovery and Training for Game II

Moses participated in a Blues training session on Saturday, June 13, indicating his potential availability for Game II. He had trained separately on Thursday due to his hamstring injury.

On Monday, June 15, Moses told reporters he was fit and ready to play, stating he was "confident" he could perform. He described the injury as "a scratch on my hammy" and noted it was on his non-kicking leg.

Parramatta Eels head coach Jason Ryles stated that the hamstring issue was minor and that Moses would be a good chance to play if he cleared fitness tests early in the week.

Statements from Officials

NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley stated that Moses remains a first-choice player for the team and is "a big part of our team." Daley indicated that if Moses is fit, he would likely be selected to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves for Game II.

Ethan Strange, who scored a try in his debut game, stated he had no issue if he lost his starting spot to a fit Moses, calling Moses "an outstanding football player with such a good footy brain."

Other Injury and Selection Notes

  • Stephen Crichton also needed to prove his fitness following a shoulder injury.
  • Payne Haas was expected to return from a knee injury for Game II.
  • Latrell Mitchell was ruled out of Origin II due to a back injury, according to South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, who stated Mitchell was at least one month away from returning.
  • Jacob Kiraz was identified as a potential squad replacement for Crichton.
  • Campbell Graham was noted as having an opportunity to audition for a squad spot.
  • If Moses could not play, Isaiya Katoa was reportedly on standby for the Blues bench.

Game Context and Schedule

  • Game I: New South Wales won 22-20 (reported as 23-22 by one source). Queensland's Kalyn Ponga was sent off during the match.
  • Game II was scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
  • Squads for Game II were scheduled to be announced on Monday, June 15.