‘I’m ready’: Katoa primed for Origin debut if Moses fails to prove fitness

Isaiya Katoa has emerged as NSW’s playmaking insurance policy as all eyes turn to Mitchell Moses and his hamstring for the start of Origin II camp.

Moses was named on Monday in a 21-man Blues squad aiming to wrap up the series with a victory against Queensland on Wednesday week.

The Parramatta playmaker pulled up with hamstring tightness two days before game one, ruling him out of the Eels’ clash on Monday against the Bulldogs. Moses underwent another solid training session early Monday at Parramatta’s Kellyville HQ as part of his recovery.

But in a clear sign the Blues still have some concerns over his fitness, Katoa was included in what was expected to be an increased squad.

The 22-year-old is set to train with the Blues until Thursday before being released back to the Dolphins for their game against the Sydney Roosters on Friday.

Coach Laurie Daley plans to make a call on his starting 13 and extended bench by as early as Tuesday morning.

If Moses is not fit, Ethan Strange is expected to be promoted to the starting side after an outstanding debut in game one, with Katoa to be the back-up halves option on the bench.

Mitch Barnett (New Zealand Warriors), Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers), Stephen Crichton (Canterbury Bulldogs), Addin Fonua-Blake (Cronuilla Sharks), Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos), Isaiya Katoa (Redcliffe Dolphins), Api Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Tolu Koula (Manly Sea Eagles), Dylan Lucas (Newcastle Knights), Casey McLean (Penrith Panthers), Mitchell Moses (Parramatta Eels), Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly Sea Eagles), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Reece Robson (Sydney Roosters), Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane Broncos), Ethan Strange (Canberra Raiders), James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers), Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers), Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)

Moses has not played since Magic Round three weeks ago, but Blues medical staff are mindful the 31-year-old was able to complete a full week’s worth of training leading up to the interstate opener.

There are also concerns over Stephen Crichton, who has required painkilling injections for an AC joint injury.

Daley said he would have no problems bringing Katoa into the squad, and he would more than handle it if Moses went astray.

“His best football is in front of him, but he’s a leader at his club, and if he gets an opportunity, he won’t let anyone down,” Daley said.

“He has a great kicking game, his organisational skills are great, he digs deep into the line, and has a magic kicking game. And he’s a good communicator.”

Wests Tig