Heading into Origin 2, it's do or die for New South Wales.
The great thing about the three-match series is a lot can change between games, and my belief is there must be change when it comes to the Blues.
It's always easy to panic and call for mass changes after a loss but Fittler is too experienced at this level to throw the toys out of the cot. That said, international selection, injury concerns and selection error from Game 1 necessitate changes for the must-win Game 2.
In my opinion, there are five changes that need to be made. On the surface that sounds like an outlandish statement but they're more tweaks rather than a complete overhaul.
Here are the five changes that need to be made to ensure the Blues head to Suncorp in a month's time with the Shield on the line.
3. Nicho Hynes to debut via the bench
Fittler had it right at first. Two centres run on and the game's best utility plays from the bench. Then he changed it. For what reason? I am still scratching my head.
If Wighton starts at centre, as he should after a brilliant performance in the opener, then Hynes is the utility.
Ryan Papenhuyzen would be picked on the back of no NRL games in over a month. Fittler has already stated Latrell Mitchell won't be considered, and he is an Origin veteran now. This effectively rules out Pap.
Hynes has been brilliant all season in the halves for the Sharks. He was a megastar in the one for the Storm and has started in the centres and in the middle.
Hynes is a luxury pick. If the Blues are rolling and have the game in hand, perhaps there's no need for Hynes. That said, if things aren't going well he can certainly change a game.
I'm not a believer that there has to be a utility player on the bench. I'd be happy if four forwards are picked, especially with the stringent (and 100 per cent warranted) HIA rules. If you're going to pick a utility though, he needs to be a utility and not a centre.
