That last time Mitchell Moses took to the field in a Westpac NSW Blues jersey was when he helped steer his side to a 2024 series-deciding victory in the Suncorp Stadium cauldron.
Yet while that experience gives him a boost of confidence as Laurie Daley’s squad readies for Game One of the 2025 Ampol State of Origin in less than a week at the very same venue, Moses is under no illusions about the challenge awaiting them.
“It’s big,” Moses said.
“To go up there and do a job on them up in Queensland, right in their backyard, it’s going to be a big test for us.
“Hopefully we’re ready to go and we can fly straight into it.”
This series, though, presents a new scenario in the Origin career of the 31-year-old. He has joined the NSW side from day one having only previously been called upon mid-series, be it as the No.7 or No.6.
Unlike 2024 he’s also entered camp with a string of games under his belt after returning in April from a foot complaint, and with that extra match fitness Moses is keen to pick up where he left off when the Blues line up for the series-opener on Wednesday 28 May.
“This is the first time I’ve played a Game One, it’s an exciting opportunity to have,” he said.
“I’m just excited to attack it.”
The playmaker this year takes on the five-eighth role – a position he previously played in the 2023 series – to accommodate the return of foe-turned-teammate Nathan Cleary. Moses will partner with him for the first time following many a head-to-head clash in the Battle of the West.
But Moses is relishing the chance to combine and find out what the pair might be able to produce in Brisbane. While both halves boast a booming general-play kick sitting first and second for average metres at 520-plus, their ball-running ability can allow them take on the line at any point knowing the other can look for territory if required.
“We’ve had some great battles between Parramatta and Penrith, but to play with a player like him, of his calibre, is exciting.” Moses said.
“It excites me to be able to link up on the field and see what we can do.”
Among the host of names also returning from Game Three last year is outside back and new Parramatta Eel Zac Lomax, who was close to missing out on the side had it not been for his strong one-match audition last Friday night on his return from a fractured foot. Moses had a front-row seat of the performance that saw Lomax retain his NSW wing spot, scoring a double with two line-breaks, four tackle-busts, and 30 runs for 271 metres with 93 post-contact.
“He was very busy on the weekend, he was very good for us.” Moses said.
“I know it was hard for him the last few weeks being out with his foot. He was itching to get back and had a great performance.”
