NSW could have to find two new halves for State of Origin III with Jarome Luai unlikely to play after scans showed the Penrith five-eighth had injured the medial ligament in his knee.
Luai was hurt in Penrith’s 13-12 win over Parramatta on Friday night when his foot was caught in a second-half tackle, and while he required attention on field he managed to play on.
However the 24-year-old was taken for scans on Saturday morning before they revealed some minor damage.
The Blues five-eighth is now expected to be in a knee brace for at least the next week, meaning his preparations would be limited even if he is taken into camp.
It comes as another significant blow to the Blues’ hopes of a whitewash, after they already lost Luai’s halves partner Nathan Cleary with a shoulder injury.
Penrith had earlier tried to downplay the issue, laughing it off as a cork immediately after the game.
“I was thinking about Nathan a bit out there, more courageous thoughts,” Luai said.
“He played through a lot worse injury than I did so I thought I could do a job for my team here and stick solid.
“It was a bit uncomfortable in certain positions but I just wanted to do a good job for my team and stay out there and help them with my leadership.
“I tried to do a few kicks and it was a bit sore but it feels good.”
Luai’s injury means at the very least means coach Brad Fittler will have to name cover when he picks his squad on Sunday.
Mitch Moses is the favourite alongside Adam Reynolds to fill Cleary’s No.7 jersey, while Cody Walker and Jack Wighton are the options at No.6 for Luai.
Selecting Wighton would be a reward for the reigning Dally M Medalist, after he played limited minutes off the bench as a utility in Games I and II.
(Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
But Walker would present the option to link he and Reynolds up in the halves and Damien Cook at hooker, with club combinations having worked for Fittler so far in the series.
If Luai does play, he has indicated he would want a controlling half such as Moses or Reynolds alongside him rather than a shift to No.7 himself.
His concerns are well founded, given he has only played as a halfback five times since his NRL debut in 2018.
“That’s what I’m used to and how we’ve always played,” Luai said.
“Nath has barely missed any games so I haven’t had too many games in that seven.”
Reynolds likely shapes as the safe option for the Blues, given he has been in the Origin arena before and has one of the best kicking games in the competition.
But Moses could give them an eye to the future if Cleary is ever unavailable again, having grown into a far more mature half.
“I’ve got no preference (who I play beside),” Luai said.
“I’ve watched Parra the last month and they’re playing well and he (Moses) is playing with a lot of confidence which is really good to see.
“If he does come into camp he’ll come in under some good form. I’m keen if he’s the option.”
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Totally agree Baz, I think Wighton is a bit lucky to be in the squad and now he will be the 6. As you point out, slot in Reynolds and Walker and it’s is as seamless as it gets in this situation. However that ship has sailed and think Reyno needs a blinder this afternoon to force his way in. Moses is getting plenty of media backing and most importantly from Fittler.
KenW
Roar Rookie
I don't really think that NSW have a significant problems, Wighton, Reynolds, Moses could all do the job. With their forward pack consistently winning the battle, and Teddy, Mitchell and Turbo running off them - you could probably pick a halves combo out of reserve grade and still come up trumps. The more interesting question here is Penrith I think. We've seen during the Origin period that their weakness (compared to the Storm, Roosters, etc) is depth. They are certs for a top 4 spot of course, so they aren't going to rush either Luai or Cleary back half-baked. 3-4 weeks without either of them there though could change the momentum.
zonecadet
Roar Rookie
But how good was the 146?!! As long as you're not on the losing end of it of course. It's like watching Celtic or Rangers play almost any other Scottish team.
zonecadet
Roar Rookie
Can't think of any logical reason to ever risk any player's season or career playing a meaningless game when the series is 2-0. There is no sport in the world, contact sport especially, that would countenance such a thing but, of course, Rugba League loves it! They should never play the 3rd game unless it is required. Obviously I know WHY they play it - money, pure and simple. Sad, how many players and teams chances have been affected by injury or fatigue outcomes from playing a dead rubber? Now, if people are thinking the Panthers don't want Luai to play because he is a little injured (especially with Cleary already out) and they are saying he is not good to play so that he gets the bye week to rest up, I always thought that was out od their hands when it comes to State selection. But then leading 2-0 they might be able to 'influence' the outcome so that he doesn't even get called up.
Dutski
Roar Guru
:laughing:
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Then that would be Souths Origin v Qld
Nat
Roar Guru
Brooks and Moses. It's their time.
Nat
Roar Guru
What if Tigers pump Souths this aft.... ahh, couldn't even finish the sentence. :laughing:
Joe
Roar Rookie
Mentioned this right after Origin 2 about Grant and Ponga...Grant already ruled out...expecting news from Newcastle any day now.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Reynolds is 30 and playing as well as ever. He could be the back up half for another three years. Moses hasn’t shown much in big games, plus there’s the combo factor, which coming into Game 3 has to be a factor
The Barry
Roar Guru
Fittler just keeps talking up Mitch Moses Surely slotting Reynolds and Walker straight in makes way more sense at the moment
csps
Roar Rookie
Another vote for Reynolds and Walker to play halves for Game 3.
Gee up
Guest
If Moses is the future, I want no part of it.. if they are deadly serious about blooding a future origin player, Burton comes in at 6.
AJL.
Roar Pro
Unless Freddy and co are taking pity on Qld, I can't understand the Wighton/Moses option. Jack is flat out being picked for reserve grade at most clubs right now. Moses has an unfortunate tendency to bomb the big moments. The Souths combination is the obvious choice.
Griffo 09
Roar Rookie
Having won the series already, do you want to give another game to an older player (Reynolds) and a player who has proved to be hit and miss, with more misses than hits (Walker), when you could look to the future. Also, it's a simple job. Give early ball to your outside backs and Yeo helps take the pressure off you for ball playing.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Just joking, NSW don't need any more fullbacks in the side. Reynolds and Walker from Souths will do the job.
Short Memory
Guest
Yep. Reynolds / Walker into halves for sure. They can't be serious about playing Wighton in the abysmal form he's in... and teaming him up with Moses who was clearly wilting under pressure last night.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
It seems like a real no-brainer that the new five eighth should be NICHO HYNES. He is killing it at the Storm.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
With 10mins to go in the Knights game, so far the combined aggregate for 'Super Saturday' is 146-6. Move along, nothing to see here.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Yes mate it’s been a while, still chipping in with the odd missive here and there ! Agree with you, a lot of moving parts when he doesn’t need to. Don’t know why Brandy would be directed to make that public given Wighton is fortunate to be in the squad based on form. If Fittler is serious about winning game 3, he should pick Cody and Reyno. You don’t get the opportunity of a clean sweep very often, picking Moses and Wighton doesn’t make a lot of sense imo. No one will want to play Many in the semis including the Big 2 !