New South Wales’ preparation for Wednesday’s must-win State of Origin clash in Brisbane is in more disarray with Josh Morris picking up a leg injury.
On the same day late call-up Tyson Frizell was rushed into camp in Coffs Harbour for suspended Wade Graham, Morris is understood to have broken down in a closed field session on Thursday.
The Blues enjoyed a day off on Friday but will re-unite on Saturday and test Morris’ fitness.
“I will see Josh and we will then have a better indication,” coach Laurie Daley told News Corp.
“We’ll see how he’s travelling. If he’s no good he’ll be ruled out but if he looks like he’s going to be all right, we’ll give him time. I am pretty confident he will be all right.”
Daley said the medical staff would give the Canterbury centre every chance to play.
“He seems to be okay at the moment but we’ll just see how he goes,” he said.
“We will see how he pulls up. I spoke to Josh (on Friday morning) and he seems to be all right but we will still have to wait and see.”
If Morris is ruled out, development player Jack Bird is likely to be thrust into the Origin cauldron to make his Origin debut, while Canberra tyro Joseph Leilua could be brought in from outside the squad.
Morris’ injury is just the latest setback in a disrupted camp for the Blues.
Not only were they forced to wait on the NRL judiciary’s verdict on Wade Graham’s careless high tackle midweek, skipper Paul Gallen is also yet to train due to a minor ankle issue.
The Blues have two more sessions in Coffs Harbour before shifting base to Brisbane on Sunday.
Bluey
Guest
I'm a Roberts fan but am unsure about his form and the way Kata owned him when they played the Warriors. If Kata could do that to him then Inglis would destroy him. He'll be there in the future for sure though.
Bluey
Guest
Ironically the Blues might end up with a team that might win or at least have some points in it through their "accidental" selector Ruled out with Injury. The only downside of a Blues win is Daley will take credit for the selections pffffft!
Charles NSW
Guest
This latest move will at least be interesting Walker will have a purpose now with longer time as he did nothing in his short time but make a bunder last time Jack Bird will add some spark in our attack if he can contain his nerves with this pressure
Ken
Guest
If they absolutely must have Walker in the team then this makes more sense. He offers nothing from the bench and is at least a passable option at centre. Leilua or Roberts at centre and Bird on the bench would be better again though.
Bluey
Guest
Time to bring in the Beast - BJ!
Doughnut
Guest
Yes eagleJack, agree it seems more sensible option to put Walker at centre and bring Bird to the bench. Walker is pretty useless off the Bench
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Walker to start. J Bird on the bench. I'd say this strengthens the side. Or at the very least gives them a different attacking threat.
Green Apple
Guest
Jack Bird brings some X factor. I'd love to see James Roberts in blue, his sheer speed is always a weapon but he hasn't hit his form of last year just yet. I think Jack Bird is a future blues 6 or utility bench player but take nothing away from his ability in the centres.
Richard Maybury
Guest
This is no different to the disruption faced by the maroons and the disruption that occurs every game, every year to both teams. Disruption of this nature is a given!