Blues confirm State of Origin 2 line-up, Crichton injury, shock second-row call

The Blues have locked in how they will run out in Melbourne.

EDITOR | June 9, 2026 - 9:03am

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NSW Blues head coach Laurie Daley has confirmed Stephen Crichton will miss Game 2 of the 2026 State of Origin series, and has also locked in a surprise change to the second-row for the game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The Blues named 21 players last night, but almost immediately had to make a change to the side, with Stephen Crichton suffering a shoulder injury during the final game of the round as the Canterbury Bulldogs recorded a narrow win over the Parramatta Eels.

He will be replaced in the centres by Casey McLean, with Sydney Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase now a chance to debut from the bench.

VIEW BOTH ORIGIN TEAMS FOR GAME 1 HERE

In the second-row, Dylan Lucas, who was 20th man in Game 1, has been named to debut in a straight swap with Haumole Olakau'atu, who becomes 20th man.

Elsewhere, the Blues have Isaiya Katoa in the wider squad as injury cover for Mitchell Moses, who has been named to start at five-eighth. Ethan Strange drops to the bench despite putting in an excellent performance in Game 1.

Payne Haas is also named to return in the front row, with Addin Fonua-Blake dropping to the bench and Jacob Saifiti out of the side.

Game 2 will be played next Wednesday night, June 17, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with kick-off set for 8:05pm (AEST).