Next month’s mouth-watering NRL blockbuster between arch-rivals Melbourne and Brisbane could lose some lustre with Broncos coach Anthony Griffin likely to rest some stars involved in the first State of Origin game 48 hours earlier.
Griffin pulled off a huge gamble in his rookie season last year, resting four Test representatives – including captain Darren Lockyer – for the corresponding clash with Melbourne.
He also rested Lockyer and Sam Thaiday from the round 12 clash with Manly after Origin I in 2011 and ruled out Justin Hodges and Corey Parker from the round 15 showdown with St George Illawarra to avoid Origin fatigue after game three.
Brisbane won four of their six games during the demanding Origin period and were strong at the end of the season, falling one game short of a grand final appearance.
“We’re not going to sacrifice a player long term to back him up two days after an Origin trying to win one NRL game,” Griffin said on Thursday.
“We didn’t back Lockyer up after last year’s Test and an Origin game and we might do it again this year with someone like Hodgo (Justin Hodges) and maybe even Sam (Thaiday).
“I imagine it could be the same for the Melbourne Storm – they’ll have four or five (players) but what they do is up to them.”
Griffin said scheduling the game on the back of Origin took away from the spectacle because players could get injured or not be able to back up for what will be a marquee clash.
Unbeaten Melbourne (7-0) and Brisbane (6-1) command the top two positions on the NRL ladder and their AAMI Park showdown looms as one of the games of the year.
But Griffin confirmed to AAP he may follow his 2011 blueprint and rest some of his representative players to protect their health and to ensure they’re in good shape – physically and mentally – for the back end of the season.
“I haven’t made any definite decision but I’ll be making sure we keep our eye on the whole season not just that one game,” he said.
“The main concern is we don’t risk a player to a long term injury.
“Someone like Hodgo (Hodges) is well documented.
“At the moment he’s going great and I’m not saying we will (sit him out).
“But whether he can handle 160 minutes of an Origin and play against Melbourne – two of the toughest games of the year – and cope in the space of 48 hours, I don’t know.
“Ultimately we will be guided by our medical staff.”
The good news for Brisbane was the sight of halfback Peter Wallace back training on Thursday following a groin tear which ruled him out of Brisbane’s impressive win over Canberra last weekend.
