NSW coach Laurie Daley says the injury concerns the Blues will carry into camp are just part of the challenge State of Origin delivers.
Skipper Paul Gallen, back-rower Greg Bird (both foot) and Jarryd Hayne (hamstring) will all take injury concerns into Monday’s first day of camp, the trio to be given until the weekend to prove their fitness for the decider on Wednesday week.
While admitting it is not ideal to have some many players under a cloud at the beginning of the week – with James McManus, Aaron Woods and possible debutant Boyd Cordner – joining the squad as cover, Daley says the Blues are ready to end Queensland’s seven-year winning streak.
“It’s a challenge but that’s the exciting thing about,” Daley said.
“That’s State of Origin. It always tosses up different scenarios and you’ve just got to accept it and move on.
“I can’t wait to embrace the challenge; I can’t wait to get back into camp.
“It’s just a good opportunity for everyone to create their own little bit of history.”
And in attempting to create history, Daley will stick with the same preparation that helped secure the Blues a 1-0 series lead.
Of the side that won the series opener, only Blake Ferguson – who was suspended on the opening day of camp for game two after being charged with assault – won’t be on deck for game three.
But should any of the injured trio not make it onto ANZ Stadium, Daley believes he has enough time to get the new players up to speed.
“It’ll be the same preparation,” Daley said.
“That’s why we’ve gone back to James (Tamou) and Jarryd coming back into the squad. They’re familiar with the goings on and what’s required.
“We’ve got some new guys there that (we) can get into the system from day one.
“I think that’s an advantage for us if we need them down the track.”
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
With several players knocked out this season, evidence is mounting to scrap or shorten kickoffs - but Graham questions whether the concern is all…
In particular, he is furious over the Bunker constantly taking tries away from players.
An NRL clause has come to light, stating that if a player is selected for a representative team and withdraws, the players agrees they…
South Sydney have given Lachlan Ilias permission to look elsewhere, as the NRL confirmed it had the power to block any attempt by Latrell…
If there was ever a testament required to the success of the New Zealand Warriors, we might have seen it this last weekend passed.…
If people can lose their job, and clubs can face massive payouts, due to the behaviour of coaches, it will drastically change the way sporting teams in Australia will be run.
