New South Wales Blues and Parramatta Eels have been dealt a devastating setback as star halfback Mitchell Moses is set for an extended period on the sidelines following a calf strain sustained during State of Origin training.
The Blues five-eighth, who started in Game 1 and was expected to feature again in Game 2 of the Origin series, was officially ruled out on Thursday after pulling up lame during a session with the squad. While initial details surrounding the injury were scarce, Channel Nine has since confirmed that Moses is expected to miss up to six weeks.
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This latest injury is a cruel twist for Moses, who had only recently returned from a foot issue that kept him out for much of the early 2025 NRL season. He also missed the back end of the 2024 campaign after helping lead the Blues to a historic Origin triumph at Suncorp Stadium.
With Moses sidelined, the Blues have turned to Jarome Luai to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves for Game 2. Despite Matt Burton being named 18th man in Monday’s team announcement, coach Michael Maguire opted for the experienced Luai in a critical series matchup.
The repercussions extend beyond Origin, however, as the injury significantly hampers the struggling Parramatta Eels. Currently languishing second-last on the NRL ladder with only four wins from 13 outings, Jason Ryles’ squad now faces a near-impossible finals equation.
The Eels must win at least eight of their final 11 matches—a daunting task made harder without their premier playmaker.
Dean Hawkins, who joined the Eels from South Sydney during the off-season and filled in earlier in the year, is tipped to once again step into the halves role during Moses’ absence.
As both state and club teams count the cost, Mitchell Moses’ injury threatens to derail critical campaigns on multiple fronts.
