Laurie Daley has defended his surprise decision to drop back-rower Haumole Olakau'atu for uncapped Dylan Lucas as the NSW coach downplayed fears over the fitness of five-eighth Mitchell Moses.
Daley was forced to announce a late change to his squad on Tuesday morning, with Canterbury skipper Stephen Crichton withdrawing from the Blues set-up for game two at the MCG on June 17 with a shoulder issue.