State of Origin 2023: NSW Blues team and injury news ahead of Game II, Cameron Murray, Liam Martin cleared

Under pressure NSW coach Brad Fittler has remained coy on the final make-up of his team, as the Blues weigh up a tactical backline switch.

Cameron Murray (L) and Liam Martin (C) have been cleared to play. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty

NSW coach Brad Fittler has remained coy on the make-up of his final 17 but declared his side are “fit and fresh” as they head into a must-win game on Wednesday night.

Fittler has been toying with a couple of changes to the named squad including swapping wingers Brian To’o and Josh Addo-Carr around and having Reece Robson start at hooker instead of Damien Cook.

Fittler shrugged away questions about his potential wing swap by saying “I don’t know anything about” reports of a change.

NSW Coach Brad Fittler remains coy on the make-up of his final 17 to take on Queensland. Picture: Getty Images.

While Fittler refused to buy in, it has been suggested Addo-Carr could be switched from the right side to the left in a bid to combat Queensland towering winger Xaiver Coates.

While there is doubt surrounding how the final 17 will be named for NSW, Fittler said there was no such concern on the fitness of Cameron Murray or Liam Martin with the forwards cleared to play.

“It was a mindset to come here with a healthy team,” Fittler said. “Latrell gave us good notice. They are fit and fresh.

“Cam has been good. He is the ultimate professional. He came in a very good chance if playing. He completed everything on Sunday.

“Liam is good. I spoke to him on the night of the game when he copped the knock, he has been fine ever since. A rest for anyone this time of year can’t hurt.

“The majority of the team have played here enough to expect anything. Nothing can be an excuse.”

Cameron Murray has been cleared to play, after recovering from a groin injury. Picture: Getty Images.

Fittler said the final moments of Origin I where the Blues let the game slip still “burns” him. Fullback and captain James Tedesco heads into the match at Suncorp Stadium under pressure after a poor performance in the opening match.

Tedesco had a clear message for his side this time around.

“More hungry, more intense,” Tedesco said. “If you think you’ve done everything, do a bit more. “There are no second chances. We have to go after it. I learnt my lessons from last game.

“Taking it on board but letting it go and knowing this will be a completely different game. It’ll come down to the last five or 10 minutes. We are going to need to win those moments at the end.

“It’s motivating. We learnt our lessons. Origin games are won on big moments. We can’t just cross our fingers and hope we are going to get the win. We know it’s going to be hostile and things going against us.”

Originally published as State of Origin 2023: NSW Blues team and injury news ahead of Game II, Cameron Murray, Liam Martin cleared