Payne Haas cleared, coach Laurie Daley explains NSW Blues team for State of Origin I

NSW coach Laurie Daley has dodged one big injury issue in his side, but there are a few hurdles left to clear before Game 1 next Wednesday. Watch as the coach addresses the key points from NSW’s Origin I squad.

Brisbane prop Payne Haas has been cleared to join the NSW side in camp and is expected to take his place in the Blues side for the opening game of the State of Origin series.

Haas underwent scans on Monday morning that revealed he suffered a minor quadriceps strain in Brisbane’s loss to St George Illawarra on Sunday.

The Blues revealed his training load would be monitored in the lead-up to Origin I but he will join the side in camp in Sydney and is expected to play next week.

NSW and Broncos star Payne Haas with ice on his quad post-game. Picture: Fox League

DALEY ADDRESSES PICKS

-Dean Ritchie

NSW coach Laurie Daley has revealed why he overlooked Manly star Tom Trbojevic for State of Origin I - and the controversial omission of in-form Wests Tigers prop Terrell May.

Daley opted for Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton in the centres with Brian To’o and Zac Lomax as the wingers, leaving no room for Trbojevic.

Meanwhile, May was overlooked for debutant Max King - a decision which Daley said was purely down to the form of the respective forwards.

“I think the others are playing better than Terrell May – all the things I’m looking for as a player,” Daley said on Monday.

“Max King is playing outstanding. Terrell is playing great, but he just needs to keep knocking on the door.

“I’m sure his time will come at some stage. There’s a lot of players that were unlucky.

“Jarome’s another one that was unlucky, James Tedesco (too). That’s the great position we’re in… the fact there’s a number of players that could be considered in the squad that didn’t make it.”

NSW Blues Game 1 team.

On Trbojevic, Daley said the Manly superstar was omitted due to fitness concerns.

“Everyone agrees Tom, if he’s fit, is one of the best players in the game,” he added.

“That was a tough decision but we’re comfortable with everyone we’ve selected in the outside backs. Tom needs to go back and play some good football. I’ve no doubt Tom will be back in this arena at some point.

“I think he is struggling a little bit with the way that he’s running.

“To play State of Origin, you don’t want to be taking people in with any doubts.”

The halves were a major talking point heading into the team naming, with Parramatta’s Mitchell Moses given the nod to partner Nathan Cleary - with one of last year’s heroes, Jarome Luai, missing out.

Mitchell Moses was among the Blues’ best last year. Picture: NRL Photos

Daley said Moses’ superior kicking game was critical when it came to putting his team together, and said he had no concerns about which of his halves would control the left-side of the field.

“Another tough decision. I just feel like Mitch is in great form,” he said.

“He and Nathan can combine really well, kicking games in origin is so important and we have two of the best kickers in the game.

“You can have a poor set but you can get away with it if your kick is strong.

“He’s got a great running game, all the qualities he needs to to be great at six.

Some of Nathan’s best football is played on the left. The last 20 minutes of the grand final was played on the left, Magic round he drifted to the left a bit. Mitch can play both sides so it’ll be wait and see.”

Daley also offered a positive update on Stephen Crichton’s groin injury.

“We’ll have a couple of days with Steve,” Daley said.

“By all reports, he has been carrying the injury, so if it’s managed, then he should be all right.

“But until we get our medical people to have a look at him, we’re a bit unsure.”

Daley revealed Nathan Cleary will be NSW’s goal kicker.

Originally published as Payne Haas cleared, coach Laurie Daley explains NSW Blues team for State of Origin I