Andrew Johns makes huge Mitchell Moses claim as NSW gun reveals the secret to his career-best performance in State of Origin domination

NRL Immortal Andrew Johns has heaped praise on Mitchell Moses, labelling the halfback's performance for NSW in game two of the Origin series 'the best he has seen in his career.'

Moses, in just his fourth appearance for the Blues, was immense as he effectively kicked Queensland to death in a man of the match display at the MCG.

Often critcised for his defence, the playmaker held his own, prompting Johns to declare Moses belongs in the Origin arena.

'This is the best game I have ever seen Mitch Moses play,' Johns said on Channel Nine moments before fulltime.

'His kicking game was first class, as was his combination play with Jarome [Luai]. 

'There has been a knock previously on his defence, but he didn't let anyone down tonight.'

Speaking at fulltime, the Parramatta star revealed how he went the extra yard to ensure he excelled for his state.

'I asked a couple of the AFL boys before I came out here [MCG] just what it's like to kick on,' he said.

'Yeah, it's a big swirl around here. Just had to come out early and get a feel of my surroundings. 

'Second half was a bit tougher, but, yeah, we just had to get the job done and that's what we did.'

It comes after the Panthers confirmed on Wednesday first choice Blues number 7 Nathan Cleary won't feature in the Origin decider.

In recent weeks Penrith have delved deeper into the 26-year-old's hamstring issues, after he was also missed six games last year with a tear in his right one.

The two-time Clive Churchill Medallist then felt issues in his left hamstring in round three of this season, ruling him out for four weeks.

Cleary was then rested out of another game immediately after through a short turnaround, before going down again with another left hamstring complaint in early May.