The six words every NSW fan has been waiting to hear

Melbourne: Mitchell Moses has delivered the six words every NSW fan has wanted to hear: “I’m good, I’m ready to go.”

Before Monday’s announcement, Moses and his injured left hamstring were arguably the biggest story leading into Wednesday night’s second Origin clash against Queensland.

But after he survived Saturday’s training session, then ran at full speed again on Monday in Melbourne, Moses said there was no cause for concern about how his body would hold up in the middle of the MCG.

Moses, who pulled up tight in the hamstring 48 hours before Origin I – and broke down with a calf injury leading into Origin II last year – also said it was nice to be able to perform on a grand stage after being denied that chance with Parramatta over the past three seasons.

“Not having so much joy at clubland, then you get a chance to come into this arena, [you get] a newfound energy,” Moses said.

“I get excited coming into these camps. We haven’t gone too well at Parramatta the last few years, so to come in and be able to perform on this stage, it’s massive, and I love it. I can’t wait to get out there.

“I’m good, I’m ready to go.”

Pressed on how confident he was regarding his hamstring, Moses nodded and said: “Very. I’m confident in myself; I’ll go out there and do a job; I’m confident I’ve put the work in, and feel like I’m in a good position to perform on Wednesday night.”

Moses was ruled out of Origin I, then suffered a setback early in the rehab process, which forced him to miss the Eels’ clash against Canterbury last Monday.

He has not played since Magic Round a month ago, and will be targeted in defence by the Maroons.

But his booming right boot will take the pressure off his halves partner – and roommate in camp – Nathan Cleary.

Canberra’s Ethan Strange debuted at No. 6 in the first game, and had plenty of support to retain the starting jersey because of the concerns over Moses.

Moses loved the energy Strange brought to camp, and he would “wear the sky blue a long time”.

Mark Nawaqanitawase also spoke about making his Blues debut, with his opportunity coming about after Casey McLean injured himself on Saturday.

Nawaqanitawase is expected to start on the right wing, outside Kotoni Staggs, with Brian To’o switching to left wing outside new centre Tolu Koula.

More to come