Moses Rises: Eels Star Ousts Luai to Form Explosive New Origin Duo with Cleary

Mitchell Moses has officially established himself among the NRL’s top-tier playmakers, earning a coveted spot in the New South Wales State of Origin side at five-eighth — edging out four-time premiership winner Jarome Luai in a fiercely competitive selection. This marks a significant shift in the Blues’ setup under returning coach Laurie Daley, who has opted to pair Moses with superstar halfback Nathan Cleary in a fresh-look halves combination for the 2025 series.

While both Moses and Luai played pivotal roles in last year’s remarkable Origin comeback — guiding NSW from 1-0 down to an unforgettable series win in Queensland, the Blues’ first such triumph since Andrew Johns inspired them in 2005 — Daley has chosen to reimagine his playmaking duo. The decision to leave out Luai, despite his strong performances, reflects both the depth of talent in the NSW ranks and Daley’s vision for a new strategic direction.

Moses, the Parramatta Eels captain, has welcomed the move with enthusiasm and humility, acknowledging the significance of being selected over a player of Luai’s calibre. “To be chosen and to have that belief shown in me gives me great confidence,” Moses said. “We’ve assembled a really strong squad, and I’m ready for the challenge.”

Returning to his roots in the five-eighth role — a position he hasn’t played regularly since his early days with the Wests Tigers — Moses is relishing the opportunity to work alongside Cleary. “He’s the ultimate competitor. Playing with someone who leaves nothing to chance is exciting. I can focus on picking my moments and supporting the team.”

Daley’s decision to unite Cleary and Moses for the first time could prove a masterstroke as NSW aims to build on last year’s success with a bold new blueprint.