NSW Blues swing selection axe ahead of State of Origin Game 2

Brad Fittler has savagely swung the axe with seven changes to his NSW Blues side after they were demoralised in the State of Origin opener.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 19: Commentator and NSW Blues head coach Brad Fittler looks on during the round 15 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium, on June 19, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

The NSW Blues didn’t disappoint after reports of mass changes did the rounds on Sunday morning.

After a Game 1 ambush by the QLD Maroons at Accor Stadium, the Blues didn’t hesitate in swinging the axe as they look to level up the State of Origin series.

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A total of seven changes have been made by coach Brad Fittler with one player being ruled out through Covid-protocols.

Into the Blues side comes Matt Burton, Angus Crichton, Clint Gutherson, Jordan McLean, Victor Radley, Siosifa Talakai and Jake Trbojevic.

Parramatta Eels duo Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Ryan Matterson were dropped, with Knights stars Tyson Frizell and Jacob Saifiti ruled out due to injury.

The 22-man squad contains seven new faces.

“Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler has made seven changes to his 22-player squad for Game Two of the Ampol State of Origin series at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday 26 June,” the Blues said in a statement.

“The changes from the team which lost Game One 16-10 in Sydney include the additions of Matt Burton, Angus Crichton, Clint Gutherson, Jordan McLean, Victor Radley, Siosifa Talakai and Jake Trbojevic.

“The squad also includes six players who are yet to make their debut for the Blues including Burton, McLean, Radley, Talakai, Nicho Hynes and Joseph Suaalii.

“Fittler will address the media early tomorrow morning before the team departs Sydney for Perth.

“The squad will spend the first part of camp at the beachside community of Scarborough before putting the finishing touches on their preparations in Perth from Friday 24 June.”

Your official @BrydensLawyers NSW Blues squad for Game Two in Perth 💪

Full story: https://t.co/xihK3r33PP#BackInBluepic.twitter.com/v7J3qTBO9L

— NSWBlues (@NSWBlues) June 19, 2022

NSW BLUES 22-MAN SQUAD

Matt Burton (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)

Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)

Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters)

Stephen Crichton (Penrith Panthers)

Clint Gutherson (Parramatta Eels)

Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos)

Nicho Hynes (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)

Apisai Koroisau (Penrith Panthers)

Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers)

Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers)

Jordan McLean (North Queensland Cowboys)

Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels)

Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters)

Joseph Suaalii (Sydney Roosters)

Siosifa Talakai (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)

James Tedesco (c) (Sydney Roosters)

Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers)

Jake Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)

Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters)

Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)