The clock is ticking on Cooper Cronk and we are no nearer to finding out whether or not he will be available for the first match of the 2016 State of Origin series this coming Wednesday night.
Cronk rolled his ankle in training on Friday and in the time since it hasn’t become any clearer as to whether or not he will line up with his fellow Maroons on Wednesday night.
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Scans on Friday night suggested Cronk is a good chance of being ready play, according to Queensland doctor Matt Hislop.
“Cooper rolled his ankle when he stood on another player’s boot,” Hislop said.
“We sent him off for precautionary scans, the result of which were quite encouraging.
“We’re going to treat it aggressively over the next few days and give him every chance to play on Wednesday night.”
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Johnathon Thurston echoed the same train of thought, but said the team would have to find a way to cope with the uncertainty.
“The scans have come back and they have been pretty positive, but we will just put him in cotton wool for the next few days,” Thurston said.
“He should be right to roll. It’s a bit disruptive but we will have to deal with it.”
If Cronk is unable to play, Thurston’s Cowboy teammate Michael Morgan will move from the bench to the field, with his spot on the bench to be taken by Daly Cherry-Evans.
New South Wales would be unlikely to complain too much should they have the opportunity to come up against a Cronk-less Queensland on Wednesday night.
Cronk has missed a single game in each of the two most recent State of Origin series, and the Blues have won both encounters.
However, Blues backrower Boyd Cordner said on Saturday that NSW are preparing with the expectation that Cronk will line up for Queensland.
“We’re not reading too much into it, we think he might be playing,” said Cordner.
When it was suggested that the uncertainty around Cronk might be a bit of trickery on behalf of the Maroons, Cordner didn’t rule it out, saying: “Maybe. It could be true but I’m not reading too much into it.”
NSW coach Laurie Daley isn’t convinced either, saying: “I think that is typical Queensland trying to get the underdog status, trying to play with your mind.
“Cooper will be out there, he is a wonderful player and I don’t think there is any need for us to worry about what they are doing.”
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
He won't even have any strapping on it. If I was Daley I'd use this fake injury to motivate some forwards to thump him (remember origin is a free for all) and for the Blues as a sign of disrespect.
Mango Jack
Guest
K Walters has learnt to play the mind games well from Big Mal. Of course he will play.
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
2015 Dally M centre, Jimmy the Jet not in this squad, Daley are you serious?! Or other option to have Turbo Tom on the wing and shift Fergo into the centres - than add in these out of form players in Walker and Morris. Mediocre selections, mediocre coach, mediocre team. NSW, prepare to get embarrassed at home - even without General Cronk.
TruBlu
Guest
Don't worry bout Cronk he'll be there. The Blues have just lost Dugan although you could say it strengthens the Blues with Morris back in. On another note re selections the All Blacks, who Daley spent time with, have just named their new squad and it's based on ....... FORM!
Geoff Evans
Guest
Cronk will definitely play . It is just mind games by Qld but noone believes he is in any doubt for next Wednesday.