Maguire reveals the impact of returning trio on the Blues

New South Wales coach Michael Maguire has opened up on the impact of the Blues' additions for Game II, led by South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell, have had on the group as they aim to keep the series alive in Melbourne.

Maguire made five changes to the squad, which lost to Queensland in the opener at Accor Stadium, with the experience of Mitchell, his club captain in Cam Murray and Parramatta Eels halfback Mitch Moses returning for the Blues.

The former Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers coach said the trio added a lot to the NSW team, especially during the camp in the lead up to the clash at the MCG.

“Guys that I have brought in like Mitch Moses played in the successful third game last year so he brings in a lot of confidence from what he achieved in that,” Maguire said on Afternoons with Jimmy Smith.

“Latrell, he’s in a really positive mindset at the moment, I’ve got to say I’ve really enjoyed coaching him and having him in camp.

“Cam Murray, well he speaks for himself, he’s a leader.”

Focusing on Mitchell, Maguire said his team knew they needed to “earn the right” for the star centre to have the impact on the game they need.

“I think everyone knows when Latrell’s at his best he brings a lot of confidence and inspiration in all the little things that he does, but the players are aware he’s one part of the cog that makes us tick,” he said.

“Latrell’s jumped into the centre spot and he’s definitely added to that left edge in the things that we can do but we also know we have to earn the right as a team to be able to do the things for Latrell to be himself.

“I can see he’s really comfortable and the guys have really got behind all the guys have come in.”

While Maguire said the reality was many of his additions for Game II weren’t available for selection in the series opener and believed familiarity with how his coaching staff worked would also benefit the Blues.

“A lot of the players now understand myself and the coaching group, how things move and manoeuvre around camp, they’ve taken it upon themselves now to really own what we’re doing,” he said.

Connor Watson and Dylan Edwards were the other two additions for the Blues for Game II in Melbourne.