Great Origin halfback performances go down in rugby league folklore like few things do.
Over the years, Queenslanders like Allan Langer, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston have all produced them, plus of course none other than Andrew Johns.
Who could forget the eighth immortal’s 2005 Game 2 masterclass, to pull New South Wales up off the canvas? Johns would then lead the Blues to an improbable series win, helping the side clinch in Queensland – a phenomenon that hasn’t been achieved since.
Now Mitchell Moses has the chance to help New South Wales do what hasn’t been done in 19 years: win a decider at Suncorp Stadium.
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It comes off the back of Moses’ 10 out of 10 performance at the MCG, which could very well be remembered for years to come, should the Game 2 domination lead to an against-the-odds series victory.
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The Eels’ halfback received the ultimate praise on NRL 360 Thursday night, with his efforts being compared to some of rugby league’s best ever Blues halves.
“When I was watching last night, I was thinking of Andrew Johns, Ricky Stuart, Peter Stirling for the way he dominated that football game with his boot,” the Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield said.
“It was one game, but it was still reminiscent of one of the great halfback displays we’ve ever seen in a New South Wales jumper.”
Moses’ performance was so complete that he has been unanimously backed to remain as the Blues’ starting seven, even if Nathan Cleary was fit and available.
The Panthers star, labelled by many as the best player in rugby league, has been out since Round 10 with a hamstring injury and isn’t expected back until Round 20.
“I (would) stick with the same side, only because Cleary hasn’t had football,” Rothfield continued.
“To put (Cleary) on Lang Park, with no footy, (it’s) too dangerous. You cannot change that side.”
“You’ve got to pick and stick, after that performance, it’s a no-brainer,” former Blues player Braith Anasta added at the 360 desk.
It’s a conversation that appears to be remaining hypothetical, unless Cleary’s return mission takes a miraculous twist.
Cleary, 26, has already racked up 14 Origin appearances, all in the number seven jumper. But he’s been forced to merely spectate and provide limited, hands-off support inside this year’s Blues set up.
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Next year, if fit, Cleary will be firmly back in the Blues’ selection frame, which adds serious intrigue to the status of Moses.
If Moses’ form holds, New South Wales’ selection committee will need to have thorough discussions around whether Cleary and Moses can coexist in Blue. Rothfield certainly believes so.
“I am so excited about Cleary coming back and (next year) having those two as a half – five-eighth, (as the) long-term New South Wales (pair),” he added.
“Like when Queensland had Cronk and Thurston. Next year it’s going to be fascinating.”
This will be Moses’ second crack at Suncorp Stadium. He started at seven, replacing Cleary, in Game 2 last year, where New South Wales were comprehensively beaten 32-6 – clinching the series for Queensland.
Moses has proven to be a more-than-capable backup halfback option for the Blues. But his performance in this year’s decider will ultimately determine whether he will ever be considered more than that.
Source Agencies
