The squads for Game Two of State of Origin have been announced in the last 24 hours, with NSW making five changes to the side who fought bravely in tough circumstances but ultimately lost Game One.
One of the biggest talking points is in the halves, where Cronulla star Nicho Hynes has been dropped in favour of Parramatta's Mitch Moses, who has battled injury problems this season.
Hynes has been in strong form at club level, but he didn't have his best night during Game One, though it is still a big call from Maguire to change the halves pairing when so many other changes have been made.
The Sporting News explains why Maguire has made the change, and how it may impact NSW in Melbourne next week.
MORE: NSW and QLD team lists for State of Origin Game II
Why was Nicho Hynes dropped for Mitch Moses for NSW?
When speaking to media on Monday, Maguire chose to focus more on the reasons behind his selection of Mitch Moses rather than detailing the reason why Nicho Hynes was dropped.
"I'm really comfortable with Mitch coming in and really confident that over the discussions I've had with Mitch - and he's been there and done that - he's had the opportunity to have the experience," Maguire said.
"Mitch has got a good kick, and we'll utilise that at the right times, and that's a big part of what Origin is about, knowing where to place the ball.
"I've always thought Mitch is a good player, and I guess you've got to make a decision and you look at the kicking, you're looking at a style of play, and Mitch has been there and done that before, so I guess those things all come together."
When asked about his discussions with Hynes, Maguire said, "I’ve had many chats with Nicho and he knows my expectations, what I’m after and what I’m looking for... Nicho just has to go away and work hard. He is a student of the game and these experiences will only help his game."
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How did Nicho Hynes play in Game One?
It should be said much of Game One was impacted by the early sending off of Joseph Sual'i'ii, meaning NSW had to plat more than 70 minutes with 12 men.
They fought hard and held the gap to just 10 points for much of the second half, but fatigued and conceded late tries to lose 38-10.
Hynes had his good moments; his first half kick forced an error leading indirectly to the Blues' first try, and he assisted the second for Zac Lomax via a looping kick to the corner.
Yet for all his good efforts, he also made an error early which Queensland were able to profit off by scoring, and he struggled to control the game with his kicking, failing to put Queensland under consistent pressure.
His struggles contrasted strongly with that of his opposite number Daly Cherry-Evans, who had one of his best nights in Maroon during Game One.
Nicho Hynes vs Mitch Moses 2024 season
Despite Hynes being replaced by Moses in the Origin arena, he is having a better season than his counterpart, though Moses has missed much of the campaign due to injury.
Moses suffered a fractured foot in round three that saw him miss 10 games and all but ruled him out of contention for Game One; the Parramatta star has played well since returning, scoring a try and forcing two dropouts in last weekend's loss to the Roosters.
Hynes on the other hand was a key reason behind Cronulla's surge to the top of the ladder earlier in the year, with the 27-year-old having 12 try assists and 13 line break assists, as well as a conversion rate of 91.8 per cent.
He missed two games due to Origin and a small injury concern, making his return in last weekends defeat against the Dolphins, where he recorded one assist.
NSW Squad for Game II
Moses in for Hynes is one of five changes made by Maguire in the must-win battle at the MCG, with Latrell Mitchell, Dylan Edwards, Cam Murray and Connor Watson all coming into the side.
Whilst NSW are facing a must win game, their recent record in Melbourne is strong, having won their last two clashes at the MCG.
NSW confirmed squad for Game II
1. Dylan Edwards
2. Brian To’o
3. Stephen Crichton
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Zac Lomax
6. Jarome Luai
7. Mitch Moses
8. Jake Trbojevic
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Cameron Murray
14. Connor Watson
15. Isaah Yeo
16. Haumole Olakau’atu
17. Spencer Leniu
18. Mitchell Barnett
19. Cameron McInnes
20. Luke Keary
