Mitchell Pearce will no longer be in line for an Origin recall, with Brad Fittler announcing that he picked up an injury playing for the Newcastle Knights on Saturday.
While Pearce had a relatively quiet game as his Knights lost their first game in seven weeks to the ladder-topping Melbourne outfit, it was thought he was going to be drafted into the Origin squad for Game 2 as a replacement for Cody Walker, who was poor for the Blues in Game 1.
The must-win game in Perth was seen as the ideal opportunity to pair former Origin player Pearce up with youngster Nathan Clear as the Blues searched for a winning formula, however, Pearce won’t be making the trip.
It’s unclear at this stage exactly how serious the injury to Pearce is, but Fittler stated it was to do with his hip.
Speaking on Channel 9, Fittler said it was disappointing.
“I was speaking to Mitchell and I knew he had a cork,” Fittler said.
“He’s got a hip problem as well. He’ll be unavailable for selection.
“It’s a bit disappointing, it’s disappointing for him. He was really keen. It’s just not enough time to get him right. I knew he had a cork, but speaking to him this morning, he’ll be unavailable.”
The Blues may be forced to now run with the same pairing they had in Game 1, which will have fans and coaches a like concerned.
Injuries have already ruled out Luke Keary and Adam Reynolds, who were the other players thought to be in contention before the squad was picked for Game 1, which the Blues lost by four points in Brisbane, setting up the must-win encounter in Perth.
Pearce joins a growing casualty ward for the Blues, with David Klemmer and Payne Haas already confirmed to be forced out of the squad due to a broken wrist and hamstring strain respectively.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Pearce was in the room when Freddy called Josh Morris.. "Heyyy J-Moz. thanks for coming out of retirement and supporting the team, oh and - top game. Scored a great first try, put us ahead, saved a couple, kept their centres and a few forwards in check. You were awesome and we would have won but for the stray pass from the guy I'm replacing you with.. yep, ..we don't want ya for the second game. Thanks for coming, you can now retire with you last memory of SOO being one of the best but sacked and replaced by a non-centre ... Is Mitch there? can I talk to him?" And Pearce pulls a hammy at the pool table..
Wayne Turner
Guest
YAY! Or too harsh?
Pickett
Guest
A very timely and convenient injury. I hope Mitch has a speedy recovery and just concentrates on the Knights. Freddy now has the excuse to do the right thing and select Maloney. And Finucane.
Bonza
Roar Rookie
Exactly - Qld won Games 1+2 and away we go.
Josh H
Roar Rookie
Good to see NSW are doing a QLD and trying to cultivate as much drama as possible pre-Origin to keep the bookies guessing. I feared that the inevitable outbreak of ebola in the Maroons camp on game eve, in addition to a tragically unlucky head clash leaving all 21 QLD squad members under an injury cloud, may have eventuated in an all-too-familiar unconquerable mountain for the Maroons to climb and/or an improbable Ben Ikin recall. But thankfully, all credit to them, at least the Blues are having the courtesy to make it a close one. Well played, Mr Fittler. Well played.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Who hasn't been ruled out so far
Nat
Roar Guru
Actually that stat starts in 2016.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
"highly dubious logic" rules in RL
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
Yep, on the back of a bit of go forward he looked better.
Bonza
Roar Rookie
Boring stat I noticed while lying awake one night wondering why Cleary is in the team - since 2016 a pattern of winning 2 then losing 2 has emerged. Qld now stand to lose 2 by my highly dubious logic.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
I hope his injury is not too serious and wish him a speedy recovery. The Knights need him, NSW don't.
Over here
Roar Rookie
Thought malony played himself into the team yesterday