Maroons Overhaul Halves and Captaincy as Blues Retain Winning Lineup for Game II
The Blues maintain their victorious squad with Jarome Luai stepping in for the injured Mitchell Moses.
Overview
- Queensland have dropped Daly Cherry-Evans, promoting Tom Dearden to halfback and naming Cameron Munster captain ahead of Game II at Optus Stadium on June 18.
- New South Wales retain their Game I–winning squad, with Jarome Luai replacing Mitchell Moses to reunite with Nathan Cleary in the halves.
- Coach Laurie Daley has intensified the Blues’ preparation at their Blue Mountains camp by bringing in an NRL referee to oversee every scrimmage.
- Former Maroons coach Kevvy Walters insists the leadership changes will not undermine Queensland’s underdog resilience built on performing under pressure.
- Field position and penalties are poised to be decisive after the Blues capitalised on early rulings to dominate territory in Game I.