Nicho Hynes and Reece Robson bombshells leave Origin fans in shock

Reigning NRL Dally M Medallist Nicho Hynes has been axed for the Blues' do-or-die State of Origin Game II clash at Suncorp Stadium, when NSW coach Brad Fittler announcing his side earlier than expected on Tuesday morning. One selection leak had already been confirmed, with Cowboys bolter Reece Robson taking the Blues utility role that Hynes occupied in Game I, after the North Queensland star was pictured at NSW camp at Coogee on Monday evening.

Hynes would have been hoping to replace injured Panthers and Blues halfback Nathan Cleary for Game II, but a couple of lacklustre performances from the No.7, coupled with the dazzling form of Mitchell Moses, saw the Parramatta halfback sew up the playmaker role for the Blues. Moses was outstanding in the Eels' thumping win over Canterbury on Monday, and will partner Blues incumbent Jarome Luai, who was also immense in Penrith's big win over the Roosters in round 15.

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South Sydney duo Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray both resumed running at training on Monday and were given the green light for selection, although it's understood both men won't be able to resume full training with the Blues until Sunday. It represents another big gamble from Fittler, whose job is likely to be on the chopping block if NSW lose Game II and the series at Suncorp Stadium.

Robson will be a second dummy half option to South Sydney veteran Damien Cook after incumbent hooker Api Koroisau suffered a broken jaw playing for Wests Tigers last week. It means Fittler has reverted to his plan of carrying two hookers in the 17 after breaking Cook's run of 15 consecutive Origin games by dropping him for the series opener.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten confirmed to AAP that Robson was told during his team's bye weekend that he had been given the nod to play at Suncorp Stadium on June 21. The crafty hooker was also pictured chatting to Fittler at the Blues team hotel on Monday night

"It's great news, it's awesome for Reece," Payten said. Robson's selection comes after he was a member of the extended squad in his breakout 2022 season and makes him only the fifth Cowboys player to represent NSW. His selection at the expense of Hynes left Origin fans in a state of shock.

Nicho Hynes axing stuns Origin fans

“I think the big story of this New South Wales side is that Nicho Hynes is going to miss out, which in my view is a major shock. It’s fair to say he’s been the best player in the competition for the past 18 months,” veteran league reporter Phil Rothfield said on NRL 360 on Monday night.

“He was No. 14, they threw him on out of position so you can’t blame him for Adelaide. If they’ve brought Reece Robson down from Townsville and into NSW camp, well that suggests he’s No. 14.

“So Nicho has gone from record breaking Dally M player of the year to one bad game the other night and abandoned.”

Big Tigers prop set to earn Origin debut

Tigers prop Stefano Utoikamanu is set to earn his first Origin cap off the bench, with Tevita Pangai Junior paying the price for a poor game for the Bulldogs against Parramatta on Monday, as he is dropped from the squad. Eels prop Junior Paulo is elevated to the Blues' starting side, with Stephen Crichton and Keaon Koloamatangi the 18th and 19th men for NSW, respectively.

Confirmed NSW Blues team for Game II

1 James Tedesco, 2 Brian To’o, 3 Latrell Mitchell, 4 Tom Trbojevic, 5 Josh Addo-Carr, 6 Jarome Luai, 7 Mitchell Moses, 8 Junior Paulo, 9 Damien Cook, 10 Payne Haas, 11 Hudson Young, 12 Tyson Frizell, 13 Isaah Yeo. Interchange: 14 Stefano Utoikamanu, 15 Cameron Murray, 16 Liam Martin, 17 Reece Robson. 18th man: Stephen Crichton. 19th man: Keaon Koloamatangi.

with AAP

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