Blues drop Olakau'atu, Lucas to debut in Origin II

Dylan Lucas is set to make his State of Origin debut for the New South Wales Blues in Game II, a surprising move that sees Haumole Olakau'atu dropped from the starting side. Blues coach Laurie Daley confirmed the lineup changes on Tuesday, with Lucas slotting into the second row alongside Hudson Young.

Mitchell Moses has been confirmed to start in the halves with Nathan Cleary, overcoming a hamstring injury that had cast doubt over his availability. The omission of Olakau'atu, who was the Blues' 20th man in their Origin I victory, is the most significant selection shock. Olakau'atu now takes on the 20th man role previously held by Lucas.

Further adjustments to the team include the return of prop Payne Haas to the starting side after recovering from a knee injury, pushing Addin Fonua-Blake to the bench. Four-time representative Api Koroisau is also recalled to start from the bench as cover hooker, replacing the injured Blayke Brailey. Casey McLean moves into the centres after impressing in Origin I, while Ethan Strange is named on the bench after filling in at five-eighth.