Some high-profile players have pulled out of the Australian train-on squad, including veterans Billy Slater and Brett Morris.
This has raised some serious questions over the state of the NRL and who will take out this year’s Four Nations.
Below are some conclusions I have drawn from the injuries.
1. Injuries are hurting the international game
I cannot remember a time in the last 10 years when injuries have so badly affected the end-of-season representative games.
Some may point out that at least it’s happening now and not mid-season. Yet the fact remains that rugby league is pushing to become a global game, and this can’t occur if the world’s best players pull out injured. With all the wrestling techniques and increased speed of the game, I wouldn’t be surprised if something similar happens next year.
It may just be a blip, but the NRL needs to work closer with the Rugby League Players Association to ensure player welfare is prioritised better in future.
2. Australia is vulnerable
The Australian Four Nations team is going to look vastly different to the side that took the field in this year’s Anzac Test.
Slater, Darius Boyd, Brett Morris, Nate Myles, Paul Gallen and Matt Gillett all played in Australia’s 30-18 win. All will miss the Four Nations.
That equates to 100 Test caps gone; nearly as many caps as New Zealand’s Anzac starting side, which has a combined total of 135 appearances on the international stage.
Add to this the absences of Justin Hodges, Josh Dugan and Andrew Fifita, and all of a sudden Australia looks vulnerable, especially in the back-line.
3. This is a huge chance for some rep debuts
I’m not just talking about Kangaroos debuts. The train-on squad includes over half a dozen players who haven’t even played Origin.
Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Gavin Cooper, Michael Morgan, Anthony Milford, Jack Wighton, Jarrod Croker and Brenton Lawrence are not household names, yet all are in the Australian train-on squad. Punters are also tipping Rabbitohs youngsters Dylan Walker and Alex Johnston to force their way in to the squad as well.
As mentioned earlier, Australia’s back-line is in tatters at the moment, which opens the door for many of these untested players. Some will most certainly feature in the Australian team in years to come, but it appears for some that is going to be sooner than later.
A final question to ponder.
With Slater out, will it be Jarryd Hayne or Greg Inglis at fullback? Both should be rotated in the No. 1 throughout the tournament, but only one can play in the final (if Australia gets there).
Whichever superstar misses out is almost certain to feature in the centres, but whoever does play fullback has the chance to permanently cement their spot there.
Personally, I think Hayne will get it.
Follow Harry on Twitter @harryeaston1
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