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Queensland forward Corey Parker has been ruled out of next week’s must-win second State of Origin game with a facial fracture.
Scans on Wednesday confirmed the break which Parker suffered early in Brisbane’s NRL win over Canberra on Monday night.
“It happened in probably the first five or 10 minutes of the game the other night,” Parker said this morning.
“I had a head clash with Matty Gillett, it’s just one of those things that happen.
“The risk of further damage is too high for my liking. I’m not sure of the technical terms but I think it’s an eye socket (injury).
>> Expert reaction the Queensland’s Origin team for Game 2
>> Expert reaction the New South Wales’ Origin team for Game 2
Parker is the second Queenslander to be ruled out of the 22-man squad with injury following Josh Papalii on Monday, who hobbled off with a leg injury in the Monday night match in Canberra.
Parker said it was now “backs-to-the-wall” stuff for the Maroons.
.@brisbanebroncos player @Coreyjparker13 talks to the media about the injury that has him sidelined for #origin 2 pic.twitter.com/h6n2IivvwE
— Queensland Maroons (@Qld_Maroon) June 11, 2014
“We’ve got full confidence in this group and whoever is to join this group that we can do a job,” Parker said.
“It doesn’t matter what’s going on or who’s around, you pull on a maroon jersey and you’re expected to do a job”.
The news all but confirms Warriors forward Jacob Lillyman will return to Origin for the first time since 2011 in Sydney on Wednesday after he was named in an extended Queensland.
Parker joins Raiders forward Josh Papalii as an injury withdrawal from the squad. Question marks remain over the fitness of backline stars Daly Cherry-Evans (knee), Greg Inglis (ankle) and Billy Slater (shoulder).
It is the most injury-ravaged Queensland’s squad has been since the start of their eight-year domination of the Origin arena, and may spell the end of their streak.
It will require a momentous effort against a Blues side that will be without the Morris twins but is bolstered by the return of lock Greg Bird for the return encounter at ANZ Stadium.
While Parker was relatively quiet in Origin 1, he has been in strong form for the Broncos and offers plenty of variety for the Maroons with his offloading game.
What do you think Roarers? How big a loss is this for Queensland
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