Queensland forward Ben Te’o says he’s focusing on preparing properly for Wednesday’s State of Origin opener amid the controversy that’s swirled around him for the past week.
Te’o spoke to Queensland Rugby League TV in his only interview since an assault allegation was levelled against him by a 22-year-old woman.
“I’ll be working on getting my preparation right, hydration and diet and trying to relax and not play the game in my head too early,” Te’o said.
“It’s only my second (Origin) game but there’s plenty of experienced blokes in the team if I need to talk to them.”
Queensland coach Mal Meninga has been monitoring the emotional strain on Te’o since he broke camp late last week to give a statement to police investigating the woman’s assault claim.
Meninga said it had taken a toll on Te’o, who must wait to learn if he’ll be charged.
“It’s been hard on Ben,” Meninga told the Courier Mail.
“At this stage, we’ve heard nothing more, but it’s my job to make sure this team is well prepared and I’m keeping a close eye on Ben because it has been a testing time for him.
“We’ve got some options in the squad. Daly Cherry-Evans and Josh Papalii are here as our 18th and 19th men and if Ben is not available, those guys have trained well and will come into consideration.”
Meanwhile Newcastle winger Darius Boyd is expected to play in the match at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night although Meninga is delaying his final decision until game day.
Boyd has been receiving physio to his left ankle but gave a strong indication he’d line up for his 15th Origin appearance on Wednesday.
“I think the key was for me to train properly with the team on Sunday,” he said.
“l did that and I think it’s all good to go.”
Melbourne Storm’s Justin O’Neill remains in camp as a possible replacement for Boyd.
The team is also on alert with the pending arrival of champion five-eighth Johnathan Thurston’s first child, with Cherry-Evans ready to step in if Thurston has to dash back home to Townsville.
Queensland will wrap up their match preparations with a final training run in Sydney on Monday afternoon.
