Injured Slater could miss Origin III

Queensland could be looking for a new fullback to replace attacking genius Billy Slater for next month’s State of Origin series decider in Brisbane.

A courageous Slater battled bravely through the second half of Wednesday night’s 16-12 second game loss at ANZ Stadium with a painful knee injury.

Slater was assessed at halftime with Queensland ahead 6-4 and told if he felt uncomfortable or had any pain in the second half he was to come from the field.

The options if Slater is ruled out would be to shift centre Greg Inglis to fullback or even move winger Darius Boyd into the No.1 jumper.

They could even take a gamble and blood Bulldogs try scoring dynamo Ben Barba.

Queensland team doctor Roy Saunders confirmed that Slater will have scans on Thursday for a suspected posterior cruciate ligament tear which could sideline him for between two and four weeks.

Brisbane forward Corey Parker would also be considered in doubt for the July 4 farewell for long-serving Queensland forward Petero Civoniceva after suffering a gaping cut to the front of his lower left leg in the 41st minute.

Parker was taken to hospital to have the gash, about eight centimetres long and down to the bone, sewn up.

Saunders was also concerned about the risk of infection.

Slater, who was only able to operate at three-quarter pace in the second half, was uncertain how long he would be sidelined for.

“I guess I’ll find out in the next few days how serious it is,” said Slater.

Queensland coach Mal Meninga had nothing but praise for his players who hung tough after NSW put on two tries while halfback Cooper Cronk was in the sin bin following his professional foul on Blues five-eighth Todd Carney.

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