Daley Names 21-Man Nsw Blues Game 2 Team Before Monday Decision
Laurie Daley named the nsw blues game 2 team on Monday evening, trimming the group to 21 players for Game II of the 2026 series while leaving the final side for later in the week. The NSW coach said the full team will be confirmed on Monday evening as injury reports are checked and training fitness is reassessed.
Daley Keeps Moses In
Mitchell Moses stayed in the squad after missing the series opener with a hamstring injury suffered in training. He is eyeing a return to the No.6 jersey, which would push Ethan Strange back toward the bench if Daley backs him in from the start.
Daley said, "I think we will be in a position in the next couple of hours," before adding, "There’s some guys we need a report from. There has been a couple of guys that have been carrying some slight niggles and injuries that we need to be on top of and we need to be sure that they can train." He also said, "So we are hoping by Tuesday we will have that team and we will be ready to go."
Haas Returns To NSW
Payne Haas returned after being unavailable for Game I with an MCL injury. His inclusion changes the shape of the forward pack and could see Addin Fonua-Blake move to the pine, while Api Koroisau is likely to join the bench to partner Reece Robson in the hooking ranks.
Jacob Saifiti dropped out of the squad, and Blayke Brailey also exited after suffering a broken arm in clubland. Daley’s squad was listed in alphabetical order while the staff waited on the final injury reports, which is why the 21-man group does not yet read like the side that will run out for Game II.
Katoa’s Short Stay
Isaiya Katoa is expected to fill the bench role for Game II after being named 20th man for the series opener. He will remain available for his club side in Round 15 and will depart the squad’s camp mid-week, giving NSW a temporary solution rather than a long-term handover.
Dylan Lucas could also be promoted to the six-man bench after serving as 20th man in Game I. For NSW, the immediate job is simple: clear the injury checks, settle the No.6 call, and lock the final side before the next team decision is due.
