State of Origin 2024 Game 2 selection news: Cam McInnes and Nicho Hynes axed, Latrell Mitchell and Mitch Moses return for NSW Blues

Nicho Hynes has become a major casualty from the Blues’ Game 1 loss, as Latrell Mitchell and Mitch Moses join the team for the do-or-die Game 2 clash. SEE THE CHANGES

Latrell Mitchell is set for a State of Origin recall. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Sydney Roosters utility Connor Watson is the shock inclusion in a revamped and desperate NSW side that includes newcomers Latrell Mitchell, Dylan Edwards and Mitchell Moses but is without dumped forward Cam McInnes.

Watson, 28, emerged from representative obscurity to claim a place on the Blues bench for Wednesday week’s must-win State of Origin game at the MCG.

After being controversially overlooked for Origin I, Mitchell has forced his way back into the NSW side, as the replacement for suspended Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, after a series of bulldozing games for a resurgent South Sydney.

Edwards has returned as Blues fullback after being initially chosen for Origin I in Sydney before withdrawing injured and being replaced by James Tedesco. Moses has claimed the all-important NSW halfback spot.

NSW Blues.

In a day of drama, NSW coach Michael Maguire:

• Made five changes which included axing McInnes from the 17-man squad.

• Dumped Nicho Hynes for Moses, the second time Cronulla’s playmaker has been dropped after a single-game appearance.

• Failed to find room for Wests Tigers star Api Koroisau and Canterbury’s Matt Burton.

• Recalled South Sydney forward Cam Murray as starting lock.

• Dropped fullback Tedesco.

• Named McInnes, Luke Keary and Mitch Barnett as additional players in a 20-man squad.

• Omitted Canberra’s Hudson Young.

Watson cracked the NSW side despite missing a month after copping a whack to the throat during Magic Round. He missed the entire 2023 season through a ruptured patella knee tendon.

A player who can play lock, dummy half, halves and centre, Watson played the entire 80 minutes for the Roosters against Parramatta on Saturday night.

After the Eels games, Watson spoke with the media about State of Origin, saying: “It’d be crazy, it’d mean the world to me. Every kid dreams of it. As a kid, Origin is the pinnacle of rugby league and it meant so much to us.

Nicho Hynes has been dropped. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“If I did get the call, it’d be an unbelievable childhood dream. I’ve always dreamt about playing it, but when I got back this year I was more worried about getting back from the knee and playing again.”

Roosters coach Trent Robinson added: “Connor’s biggest asset is his energy.”

McInnes can feel unlucky given he played 47 minutes in game one, ran for 73 metres and completed 33 tackles.

Mitchell spoke with Maguire at a Rabbitohs’ function on Saturday night which recognised the ten-year anniversary of South Sydney’s famous grand final win.

It cleared any lingering issues among the pair and led to Maguire rushing Mitchell back for a match NSW must win to keep the series alive.

“Latrell would be the first bloke I’d pick, without a shadow of a doubt,” said Fox League’s Matt Johns. “For me, it’s no risk.”

A three-game Origin halfback, Moses will return after Hynes failed to grab his chance in the Blues number seven jumper during Origin I.

“From a State of Origin point of view, Mitch is our best option,” said Eels coach Trent Barrett.

Edwards finally gets his chance after being cruelly ruled out of the opening game through a quad injury.

The team will fly to Melbourne this coming Sunday.