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The results of scans on Thursday could determine whether NSW skipper Paul Gallen and James Maloney play in next month’s State of Origin decider.
Gallen left Suncorp Stadium after Wednesday night’s 26-6 game two loss with a moon boot on his left foot, the tireless Blues captain believed to have suffered plantar fasciitis.
Maloney may have suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone – both he and Gallen are now in extreme doubt to play for their NRL sides in the coming fortnight, leaving their Origin III hopes up in the air.
Their unavailability plus the expected return of Jarryd Hayne and possible selection of James Tamou could make it a new-look Blues side for the July 17 decider despite coach Laurie Daley declaring there would only be minimal changes.
Daley even left the door open for Blake Ferguson – who was stood down after being changed with assault following a drinking session the day before the beginning of camp for game two – to make what would seem an unlikely return for the decider.
“It’s a hard question first up,’ Daley said of possible changes.
“You’ve got to go and review things and we don’t know who’s coming back.
“We’d like to think that Jarryd would come back in and James Tamou would be around and we don’t know what’s happening with Fergo.”
Whilst Daley took the blame for the defensive strategy which made for an unhappy Origin debut for winger Nathan Merritt, it appears the South Sydney veteran is facing a struggle to retain his position.
The Maroons targeted Merritt by sending plenty of ball down his side of the field, Daley admitting it was his coaching decision for the winger to come off his edge in defence, which allowed Darius Boyd plenty of room to move out wide.
The most likely scenario would be for Hayne and his replacement Josh Dugan to both be selected, with one of the two players to line up on the wing.
“I thought he (Dugan) was very good,” Daley said of Dugan.
“It’s something that we’ll have to consider.
“Haynesy’s been a strong performer in different positions for NSW, so if he comes back we’ll see.
“It’s too early to speculate on changes. To be honest with you, I don’t think there will be too many. I’m confident in this group.”
Any changes are sure to interest the Maroons camp after Daley publicly criticised Queensland’s lack of loyalty in dumping David Shillington and Ashley Harrison following the game one loss.
This is bad for the Blues and Sharks pic.twitter.com/dsOGyV0QNd
— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) June 27, 2013
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