Interim Eels coach Trent Barrett has thrown his support behind Mitchell Moses in his bid for an Origin re-call, claiming his halfback is the “best option” for the Blues.
Following the series opener, Michael Maguire’s halfback Nicho Hynes’ position has come under immense scrutiny.
The Sharks gun emerged as one of the only remaining candidates after Moses came one game short of returning in time for Origin, while Nathan Cleary is nursing a hamstring injury.
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Moses has now played three games since returning, and Barrett believes he’s seen enough for his superstar to receive a call from Maguire.
“I thought he was good, he did some really good things,” Barrett said in the post-match press conference.
“I thought the whole team played pretty well. I think Mitch is three games back from his foot.
“From a State of Origin point of view, he’s our best option.”
Moses scored an impressive first-half try, steaming through the middle of the field in support of a Jared Waerea-Hargreaves break.
However, it was the second week running the Eels have been unable to ice a close contest, and speaking after their Round 14 loss, league legend Braith Anasta had concerns.
“I want to see him more at the back-end when the game is on the line, that’s what happens in Origin right,” Anasta said.
“That’s when the moment matters the most… He’s still in my side, but that’s worry.”
Meanwhile, Roosters star James Tedesco was asked about his chances of remaining as the Blues’ No.1, explaining: “There’s not really much I can do.
“If Dylan is fit and can play, I think he will go back in so that’s how I see it.
“But who knows really, we saw what happened in the first camp.”
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Roosters coach Trent Robinson also heaped praise on his captain, backing him to retain his fullback position.
“Ted (Tedesco) has played Ted’s model for a long, long period of time,” he said.
“Super busy, chase kicks, organise lines, high support, runs the ball. Ted does what he’s known for, that doesn’t vary at all.”
Meanwhile, Robinson also highlighted what makes Connor Watson such an important member of the Roosters’ squad.
Watson, who played in the No.9 jersey this week, was in contention for NSW selection in Game I, but instead was ruled out due to a throat injury.
“I think he was in contention for Game I, I think he missed it through the throat,” he said.
“I was about to put him out at centre tonight, he can play hooker, he can play No.13, he can play centre, he can play No.6. But his biggest asset is his energy.
“He makes other guys feel really good about how they play, his communication skills are high, he’s an incredible teammate.
“So I think he will put his hand up and see what they decide.”