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.
Goss
Guest
What did JT do?
Pete
Guest
Here's hoping Pearce gets injured before game 3! * (*not a serious injury - just enough to keep him out and Reynolds to get his chance)
Hoy
Roar Guru
But didn't NSW sell their game last year to Melbourne? So they shoudln't get two in a row like this. Seems odd.
Lachlan Simpson
Guest
Totally agree. As a Queenslander, I hold Bligh responsible for everything bad in the world. Still... it is nice to have another excuse to hate you guys south of the border!
Renegade
Guest
your off your head....check the season stats. Turn off the star wars and start watching footy...
Tyler
Guest
He put himself in that position it's just stupid! To make matters worse I went out after the origin in brissy and who should I see out? Ferguson at the stock exchange at like 3 in the morning... Seriously the NRL needs to get rid of him!
darth vader
Guest
Ah you poor shmuck. Light sabers???? He did 1 offload last night your a silly clown with a lack of understanding caused from upbringing. Bench him or sack him! Watch us win if he is out injured. Ps learn the game before you comment in such a manner
Johnny Bracken
Guest
What did Dugan do?
Renegade
Guest
Doesn't pass?? Doesn't offload?? I think you need to put the light saber's down and start watching some rugby league games before making these comments.... He is getting older yet his still easily the best forward in the game with daylight next...
Ryan
Guest
Get Ferguson back, the bloke didn't do what Thurston did at least and he's still playing!
darth vader
Guest
Renegade you are the one who knows very little about the game very very little. He makes meters ok ok its because he gets the ball the most they think he is god but he is a dud m8 no offloads doesn't pass no line breaks too slow he was good last year but every year he gets a little worse this year he is not good its true ban gallen he is not the one to lead us to victory!
Nikhil V
Guest
If hayne is not picked at fullback, you got question the nsw selectors. Honestly Dugan was one of the best nsw players.... Yeah it's not hard at all. Ask every Queensland fan or player who would they rather want as fullback; Dugan or hayne? 99% will want Dugan as he doesn't have the x-factor or talen of hayne! QLD will be praying for his injury to rule him out.
oikee
Guest
I dont want Ferguson playing for NSW, he is a damm good player, but above that i am sick of this code backflipping on sanctions they have in place. Gallen should have been banned one origin game, not for his club. If clubs keep getting treated like this, they will do what the AFL did, and not want their players play in Origin. Ferguson and Dugan should not have been taking part in Origin this year, the code needs to send a message, stop rewarding bad behaviour and fools. They can go join Falou on the wing in union for all i care.
Ova it
Guest
Ok here it is I'll say what a lot of people are thinking. I wish it was Pearce that got injured!
Tru Blu
Guest
Regardless of whether they watch its obvious their knowledge of the game maybe a little limited... just a little LOL! Gallen makes more meters than anyone on both sides usually which is a core part of his job. Unlike Pearce who can't kick to save himself and that is a core part of his role.
Eftpos
Guest
$7 just got served and left with no change lol!
eagleJack
Guest
It was a decision by the ARLC headed up by QLDer Grant. Both states were asked to put forward proposals. The QLD state govt decided not to respond as they were seriously in debt. Thank Anna Bligh for that one.
Renegade
Guest
Seriously does anyone that comments acutally watch the game? Honestly....
Renegade
Guest
Made the most metres and tackles for NSW....clearly you didn't watch the game and just write stupid comments all the time. How good was Nathan Merritt??
exactly
Guest
Gutted.. exactly right. Which is why the NSWRL decided last minute to re-schedule the series to incorporate 2 sydney games. The genius of it suffers badly in it's transparency.