Mitchell Moses Hamstring Injury and NSW Blues Origin Report
Injury and Initial Response (Pre-Origin I)
Mitchell Moses sustained a hamstring injury during a New South Wales Blues training session on Monday, May 25, 2026. The injury occurred during an opposed session against Newcastle's NSW Cup team at Polytec Stadium in Gosford. Moses completed the team session but reported tightness in his left hamstring during extra activities afterward.
Scans later confirmed a "minor hamstring tear," according to NSW Rugby League. Dr. Nathan Gibbs, the Blues' team doctor, estimated a recovery period of three to four weeks, making Moses unlikely to be available for the State of Origin series opener on May 27. This marked the third consecutive Origin series in which Moses experienced an injury during a Blues camp.
Immediate Replacement Plans
Following the injury, the Blues management activated a contingency plan:
- Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders) was promoted to start at five-eighth, making his State of Origin debut
- Matt Burton (Canterbury Bulldogs) was called into camp as a stand-by player and added to the 20-man squad
- Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins) was initially considered as first-choice replacement but was unavailable due to concussion protocols
Frank Ponissi, NSW Origin General Manager, stated that Katoa would have been selected for Game I had he been available. Katoa had been invited to camp after being stood down for 11 days following a concussion suffered against Canberra the previous weekend.
Game I Outcome and Ethan Strange's Debut
Match Result
NSW defeated Queensland 22-20 at Accor Stadium in the State of Origin series opener. The game featured a record comeback by the Blues, who overcame a 20-6 deficit. The momentum of the match shifted after Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off.
Ethan Strange's Performance
In his Origin debut, Strange contributed the following statistics:
- Scored one try (another was disallowed)
- Made 15 runs for 135 meters
- Produced two line break assists
- Made a key defensive play late in the match
Nathan Cleary was named player of the match. Strange later stated, "The way he [Cleary] controls the game is unbelievable. He's just ridiculously good."
Player and Coach Reactions
John Strange (Ethan's father and NSW Women's Origin coach): "To see him run out there in the NSW jersey at such a young age was really emotional. I was tearing up."
Ethan Strange on his starting position: "Mitch is an outstanding football player with such a good footy brain. If I lose my spot, so be it."
Moses's Recovery and Club Management (Post-Origin I)
Parramatta Eels Statements
Eels head coach Jason Ryles described the hamstring issue as "minor" and expected Moses to return soon. However, Moses missed Parramatta's Round 12 match against the Newcastle Knights and was also ruled out of the Round 13 King's Birthday clash against the Canterbury Bulldogs. The Eels stated the decision to rest Moses was precautionary and made in conjunction with the player.
On June 8, 2026, The Daily Telegraph reported that Moses was named to miss Parramatta's Round 14 match for precautionary reasons, to avoid re-injury ahead of a potential Origin II selection.
Other Eels Injuries
- Jonah Pezet: Hamstring injury, expected to be out for one month
- Junior Paulo: Knee surgery, out for an extended period
- Jack Williams captained the side in Moses's absence against Newcastle
Origin II Selection and Fitness Updates
Timeline of Events
Date Event June 13, 2026 Moses participated in Saturday's Blues training session in Gosford after training separately on Thursday due to his hamstring June 15, 2026 Moses stated he was fit and ready to play in Game II. He described the injury as "a scratch on my hammy" and noted it was on his non-kicking leg June 16, 2026 Teams for Game II were announced on Monday. Moses was named in the starting lineupStatements from Officials
- Laurie Daley (NSW Blues coach): Indicated that Moses would be in the squad for Origin II if he could prove fitness, valuing his long kicking game. Daley also stated that Ethan Strange would be used off the bench as a back-rower.
- James Tedesco (Blues fullback): Stated that Moses texted him indicating he would be okay for the match at the MCG.
- Reece Robson (Blues hooker): Said the team has contingencies for both scenarios and that Moses is confident he will be fit.
- Mitch Barnett (Blues prop forward): Expressed no doubt that Moses will play.
Ethan Strange's Role in Origin II
NSW coach Laurie Daley confirmed that Strange, despite starting in Game I, would be deployed as a back-rower off the bench for Game II. Daley stated:
"He'll come on and probably play the back-row. He's a strong runner. He's a guy that is dangerous when he runs the footy."
Strange was named on the interchange bench for the match.
Other NSW Blues Selection Notes (Origin II)
- Payne Haas: Expected to return to the starting side after recovering from a knee injury
- Stephen Crichton: Required to prove fitness after a shoulder injury. Jacob Kiraz is a potential replacement
- Latrell Mitchell: Confirmed unavailable for Game II by South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett, citing a back injury that will sideline him for at least one month. Former Blues player Michael Ennis expressed disappointment, noting Mitchell had been in strong form
- Mark Nawaqanitawase and Tolu Koula were named as replacements for the injured Casey McLean
- The Blues made five changes to the squad for Game II
Summary of Key Statistics
Mitchell Moses (Season Averages)
- Kick Metres: 530 metres per game
- Running Metres: 57 metres per game (2025 season)
- Games Played in 2025: 11 club games
- Games Played in 2024: 8 club games
Ethan Strange (Season/Career Averages)
- Kick Metres: 97 metres per game
- Running Metres: 75 metres per game (NRL career)
- NRL Career Games: 55 matches, 19 tries