Jarome Luai has backed halves partner Mitch Moses to help the Blues achieve something they did 30 years ago as NSW looks to keep the series alive in Melbourne and force a series decider in enemy territory.
Moses has been rushed back into the side in place of Nicho Hynes after the Blues were pumped 38-10 in the series opener having been forced to play with 12 men for more than 70 minutes after Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was sent off.
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The Eels halfback has only been back a few weeks after he missed a couple of months with a fractured foot, but he has already shown how dangerous he can be with ball in hand, while his leadership has been invaluable in camp.
Moses and Luai played alongside each other in game two of last year’s series, with the Blues hoping for a vastly different result this time around.
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“He’s been really assertive with what he wants of this team, and I think in a way that’s what we needed after game one,” Luai said in Melbourne.
“He’s come in and has brought that real leadership vibe and has freed up everyone else to allow them to be their best. He’s been awesome.”
The Blues find themselves down 1-0 for the third year in a row, but they have a terrific record at the MCG, with the new-look side confident they can flip the script after they were humbled at home.
They only have to look back to 1994 for inspiration when NSW lost the series opener at home thanks to Mark Coyne’s miracle try before they bounced back with a big win at the MCG and then thrashed Queensland in Brisbane to clinch the series.
“That’s the beauty of Origin. If you lose that game one, there’s still a chance to bring it back,” Luai said.
“I just think it’s do or die for us now.
“We’ve got a great opportunity to level it now and then do something special at Suncorp which is pretty special to do.
“It’s win or nothing else, so I’m ready to lay it all on the line.”