Queensland centre Justin Hodges has been scratched from Brisbane’s line-up but Manly still hold hope Blues back-rower Anthony Watmough will play through the pain barrier in Sunday’s NRL clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos coach Anthony Griffin had little hesitation in ruling Hodges out in a safety-first move to guard against aggravating his ankle problem.
The veteran centre finished Wednesday night’s State of Origin series-opener, playing solidly in Queensland’s 12-8 loss, but his injury history prompted Griffin to take conservative approach.
“He’s still a bit stiff and we have to be a bit cautious with him,” the coach said on Saturday.
“He’s just come back half a dozen weeks ago from a major injury and he’s carrying a minor injury at the moment so we just have to be smart with the way we manage him.”
However, Corey Parker and Matt Gillett will definitely back up after Origin I, joining the returning Sam Thaiday in a full-strength Broncos pack.
Griffin admitted the pair wouldn’t have played if the game was scheduled in Brisbane’s regular Friday night timeslot.
“With people like Justin, who is an obvious risk, we have to be smart with them but Gillett and Parker both want to play so they’ll play,” Griffin said.
“Sunday is great for us. The extra couple of days (break) helps.
“It was a brutal game.”
Watmough, one of the many NSW stars on the Blues’ casualty list, remarkably hopes to carry his lingering biceps injury into Sunday’s battle.
The second-rower took part in the Sea Eagles’ final training session on Saturday morning and might fly north and be given until kickoff to prove his fitness.
Manly already must overcome the loss of star halfback Daly Cherry-Evans (knee) but they have Kiwi five-eighth Kieran Foran making his long-awaited return to partner Jack Littlejohn in the halves.
With Cooper Cronk (broken arm) ruled out of the rest of the series and Cherry-Evans in doubt for Origin II on June 18, Broncos playmaker Ben Hunt has rushed into contention for the Maroons’ No.7 jersey.
Hunt can make a statement with a big game on Sunday but Griffin is guarded about whether the youngster is ready for the step up.
“That’s someone else’s decision,” he said. “He’s only really started playing halfback at the NRL level.
“I wouldn’t want to put that expectation on him at the moment.”
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