State of Origin 2022: New South Wales make changes for Game II

New South Wales head coach Brad Fittler has made several changes to his side for State of Origin Game II. 

Jack Wighton has been ruled out of the clash with Covid. He also missed Canberra Raiders’ win over Newcastle Knights on Sunday.

The club added in a statement: “Raiders five-eighth Jack Wighton has been ruled out of Sunday’s match against the Knights due to COVID protocols.

“Wighton will follow COVID return to play protocols once his isolation is completed next week.”

He will miss the second game of the series, which will be played on Sunday, June 26. Wighton has been replaced by Canterbury Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton, who featured in the centres for 2021 NRL Premiership winners Penrith Panthers. 

Having missed out on the series opener, Manly lock Jake Trbojevic will return to the squad for Game II. Trbojevic has played 13 games for the Blues but has not featured in Brad Fittler’s side since the opening game of the 2021 series.

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Alongside Burton and Trbojevic, Angus Crichton, Clint Gutherson, Jordan McLean, Victor Radley and Siosifa Talakai all come in to the 22-man squad.

They replace Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Ryan Matterson, Tariq Sims, Jacob Saifiti, Tyson Frizzell, Kotoni Staggs and Wighton. 

Jordan McLean is one who could make his State of Origin debut, having won eight caps for Australia. 

McLean is one of six