Michael Maguire addresses squad selection, Latrell Mitchell relationship, Reece Walsh targeting claims

Michael Maguire has issued a warning shot at Queensland’s claims that the Blues unfairly targeted Reece Walsh in Origin I, while also addressing his relationship with Latrell Mitchell.

Michael Maguire and Latrell Mitchell in discussion at the 10-year reunion of the Rabbitohs' 2014 premiership win at Souths Juniors. Picture: Rabbitohs

Michael Maguire has landed the first jab of State of Origin II, warning Queensland not to throw stones in glass houses over claims NSW unfairly targeted Reece Walsh in the series opener.

On day one of camp for game two in Melbourne next Wednesday night, Maguire launched a staunch defence of his players after Queensland legends Kevin Walters and Johnathan Thurston accused his players of targeting the Maroons fullback.

When asked for his response to the suggestions in Sydney on Monday morning, Maguire said: “You’ve got to defend everyone.

“We’ve got to go out and defend what’s there, and it’s not about going after people. We’ve got to defend what’s in front of us.

“They’ve got players that we’ll do our homework on. We’ve got to get our style with how we want to play.

“We’ve got a couple of little subtleties with changes, so they’ve got to look at us.”

Michael Maguire warned Queensland against overclaims that NSW targeted Reece Walsh. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Walsh was knocked out in the opening 10 minutes of game one in Sydney with Blues debutant Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii sent off forhis horror tackle. He’s now serving a four-match ban for the hit.

“You’ve got to make sure that you don’t live in glass houses, that’s all I’ll say,” Maguire said of the furore surrounding the moment.

“Things happen on the field. Joey is a special human being, and for him to have to deal with that (wasn’t on). He’ll be in and around the camp at some stage, but things happen on the field.

“It’s glass houses. Interesting.”

The comments from Maroons legends clearly irritate Maguire, who secretly believes Queensland are guilty of the same.

“He’s my player, they’re my players. If you want to have a crack at our players, we’re about us and what we’re doing, and you’ve got to make sure that when you’re with your players that you look after them. That’s what I’m doing.”

It comes after Maguire named five changes in his squad for game two after a game one thumping in Sydney a fortnight ago.

South Sydney fullback Latrell Mitchell returns to the side for the first time since 2021.

Maguire denied there has been any bad blood between the two after he was overlooked for the series opener.

“I’ve known Latrell for a long time,” Maguire said.

“I guess there are storylines, but I really enjoy his company.

“He’s in a really good place at the moment, and as a player, he’s one of those ones who wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s been through a little bit, but now he’s in a good place with where he’s at and that’s showing.

“He’s playing great footy and I think everyone can see that. You don’t need to dig into that. He’s got a smile on his face and he’s got a lot of spirit with what he’s doing, and that resonates through his footy.

“We all know he’s a talented world-class player, and he’s shown that, especially in the last month where he’s growing to what Latrell can do.”

EXCLUSIVE: MAGUIRE ADDRESSES HYNES AXING, MITCHELL RELATIONSHIP

NSW coach Michael Maguire has defended his axing of Nicho Hynes and dismissed talk of a feud with Latrell Mitchell as he backed the Souths superstar to lead a Blues rescue mission in Origin II.

Maguire has wielded the axe, making five changes to the Blues in the wake of their 38-10 drubbing by Queensland in Game One in a desperate bid to save the series in Origin II on Wednesday week.

Hynes has been dumped in favour of Mitchell Moses at halfback, Mitchell replaces suspended centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Roosters champion James Tedesco makes way for Dylan Edwards at fullback.

NSW Blues side for game two.

Meanwhile, Cameron McInnes has been surprisingly dropped for Cameron Murray at lock, while Roosters super sub Connor Watson is a Blues bolter and will make his Origin debut as NSW’s Mr Fixit off the bench.

But the major focus is the sacking of Hynes and recall of Mitchell, the Queensland bogeyman who ripped the Maroons apart in NSW’s series win in 2021.

Mitchell was overlooked for the series opener amid suggestions he was on the nose with Maguire, but the Blues coach says the Rabbitohs ace is committed and ready to fire in his sky-blue recall.

Mitchell is a big-game player. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

“There’s no issue with me and Latrell,” he said.

“That’s the noise of the game and I’ve been around long enough.

“At the end of the day, Latrell and I spoke about what we expected and he has definitely moved towards that, so I’m looking forward to having him in camp.

“I think Latrell is in the right headspace, he is in really good form.

“The last month of footy, he has been really consistent and he is performing up to expectations.

“Latrell just has to come into this team and do his job. I just want him to be himself and play his game.

“That’s what I have seen from him over the past month, he has been playing his part for Souths.

“I’ve always said I want to pick players in good form and Latrell has moved towards that in a big way.

“I know what he brings and he brings it with a smile on his face, we’re keen to see what he can do for us.

“Latrell is a big-game player.”

Hynes has paid the price for poor kicking and game management in Origin I, opening the door for Eels halfback Mitchell Moses to play his fourth game for the Blues.

Maguire says Mitch Moses plays the style he is looking for over Nicho Hynes. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Maguire wants to trouble the Maroons with speed in Game Two at the MCG and likes the direct style of Moses.

“Mitchell plays the style of what I am after,” he said.

“I always had Mitch in my mind moving closer to the series. Mitch has shown he can play at this level too and he suits the way I want to play. Having his different qualities as a player is something I want to move towards.”

Of Hynes’ relegation, Maguire said: “Those calls are always tough ones. Nicho and I have spoken about the reasons why (he was dropped), I won’t go too deep into the ins and outs, but I’ve had many chats with Nicho and he knows my expectations, what I’m after and what I’m looking for.

“Nicho just has to go away and work hard. He is a student of the game and these experiences will only help his game.”

Maguire also explained the axing of McInnes, who performed admirably for the Blues in Game One with 73 metres, three tackle busts and 33 tackles with no misses.

“It’s nothing against Cam McInnes,” he said.

“Cameron Murray is a champion player and it was as simple as that really.

“I was spoiled for choice with two very good locks.

“Cameron Murray has shown what he is capable of and he is proven at Origin level.”

Cameron McInnes has made way for Cameron Murray. Picture: NRL Photos

Maguire raised eyebrows with the selection of Watson, who will make his Origin debut after eight years of NRL and 135 games of service for the Roosters and Newcastle.

But Maguire backed the 28-year-old to revel in his Origin baptism at the MCG.

“I see Connor being a bit like Craig Wing (former NSW Origin utility),” he said.

“He can play several different positions, he is quick, defensively strong and can break a game open.

“He is a great 14. At the Roosters, he has played most positions and I thought he was outstanding the other night against the Eels.

“He is fit and can slot into any position. He covers outside backs, he covers middles, halves and hookers. He wasn’t available two weeks ago but now he is, so I was always looking at him anyway.”

Edwards will make his NSW debut at fullback and Maguire believes the Penrith premiership-winner will relish his backfield duel with Maroons superstar Reece Walsh, who has been cleared of concussion.

“‘Teddy’ (Tedesco) did a great job for us in Game One, but Dylan’s form against Newcastle on Sunday justified why I picked him in the first place,” he said.

“I’m very happy with the team we’ve picked, I’m confident we can get the job done in Melbourne.”