Michael Maguire must rebound after a horror introduction into the State of Origin cauldron when New South Wales attempt to keep the series alive in Melbourne.
The Blues fell to a heavy 38-10 defeat against Queensland on home soil with Joseph Suaalii’s early send-off causing chaos.
The Sydney Roosters star has since copped a four-week ban for his high shot on Reece Walsh which rules him out of contention for Game II.
So, who will Maguire pick in the centres as they head to the MCG to try and avoid a third successive series loss to Billy Slater’s men?
MORE STATE OF ORIGIN COVERAGE
Who will replace Joseph Suaalii in Game 2 for New South Wales? Blues candidates for crucial State of Origin match
Latrell Mitchell
Latrell Mitchell has been in the Origin wilderness in recent years as a mixture of poor form and injuries have restricted his time in the Blues jersey.
In fact, since lighting up the rep arena while dovetailing perfectly with Tom Trbojevic during the triumphant 2021 series, Mitchell hasn’t played for his state.
Brad Fittler called him into the team last year on two occasions, only for a troublesome calf injury to force him to miss both games.
The South Sydney fullback was viewed as a possible option in the centres this year. Although a combination of indifferent displays and ill-discipline saw him gradually slip down the pecking order.
Against the Gold Coast in Round 14, the 26-year-old made a timely statement in attack as he bagged a four-pointer and registered three try assists.
The No.1 made a compelling case for selection in Game II, as he had his fingerprints all over Souths’ third win of the campaign.
Despite the well-publicised struggles of the superstar and the Bunnies this season, Mitchell is still one of the biggest attacking threats in the league after recording five tries and eight assists in just eight appearances.
Meanwhile, he also provided plenty of value in defence against the Titans with two try-saving tackles on Alofiana Khan-Pereira and some nice kicks out of yardage.
“His kicking game is unbelievable,” Cody Walker enthused after the Titans rout.
“He’s got the biggest boot in our team, and it helps start our defensive sets off well.”
Matt Burton
Matt Burton has been in the picture for the Blues consistently in the past few years after first breaking onto the scene as a barnstorming centre at Penrith.
This season he has rediscovered his mojo at Canterbury after initially struggling to adapt to his spot in the halves.
He has featured in the centres for his state two times already with the last of those appearances coming in the third and final game of the 2022 series.
Since then, Burton has become a peripheral figure after being named as 18th man in three of the past four Origin clashes.
The former Dally M Centre of the Year is unlikely to be plugged into the backline due to his long-term future in the halves, but he could be a handy addition to the bench in Melbourne.
On numerous occasions the Blues have been made to pay for an injury to a centre with Nicho Hynes and Damien Cook forced into the position in the past.
Burton’s inclusion on the pine, in a move which would mirror Slater’s use of Selwyn Cobbo, could provide Maguire with a much-needed safeguard against this problem in Game II while also offering him utility value.
Bradman Best
Bradman Best was reported to be one of the leading contenders for a spot in the centres before injury unfortunately struck ahead of Game I.
The 22-year-old pulled up with a hamstring injury in Round 11 against the Titans which brought an end to his chances of keeping hold of his Blues jersey.
Best was a surprise selection by Fittler in the final game of last year’s series. But he enjoyed a dream debut as he combined with Walker brilliantly to help his state avoid a series whitewash.
The Newcastle star is scheduled to return in the coming weeks yet doubts remain around his fitness after missing the past month.
The Knights face off against the Panthers in Round 15 in what would be the only game for Best to possibly press his claims for a spot before Maguire picks his side for Game II.
Jacob Kiraz
The dark horse for the position is Jacob Kiraz, who has flown under the radar at Canterbury.
The Lebanon international has the perfect game style to suit Origin with only Dylan Edwards currently churning through more run metres in the NRL.
The 22-year-old has made 2,284 metres in 12 appearances to date, with Blues wingers Brian To’o and Zac Lomax nipping at his heels for this metric.
Kiraz ranks in the top ten for tackle busts (58) in the league and is also a strong proponent of second phase footy with his 21 offloads just three behind Junior Paulo’s leading figure of 24.
The Dogs favourite has minimal big-game experience which may ultimately count against him in Maguire’s eyes.
However, if the coach is looking for a similar profile to the likes of To’o and Lomax to compliment his backline, Kiraz stands as the best option.
Kotoni Staggs
After returning from injury in Round 14 against Cronulla, Kotoni Staggs was keen to press his claims for the vacant NSW centre spot.
Staggs produced a dazzling run from inside his own half, which led to a Brisbane try, but things took a turn for the worse in the second stanza.
The Broncos were battered by a powerful Sharks pack as they piled on 18 unanswered points on the Broncos in front of a shocked Suncorp faithful, while Staggs left the field with a knee complaint.
He returned to the fold to play out the final few minutes, but his performance likely wouldn’t have been enough to put him ahead of the other leading contenders.
