With his charges limping into camp for State of Origin two, NSW coach Laurie Daley may be forced to name an extended squad on Sunday.
Since winning game one and putting the Blues on the verge of ending Queensland’s seven-year Origin dominance, little has gone right for Daley’s men.
The rookie Origin mentor has concerns over the fitness of star fullback Jarryd Hayne’s hamstring and potential replacement prop Tim Grant’s broken hand.
Daley received good news on Saturday with Manly officials confirming the injury which forced back-rower Anthony Watmough from the field in Friday night’s loss to Canterbury was simply a cork.
Watmough, who had strong impact off the bench in game one, is in no doubt of missing the second fixture on June 26.
It was an overdue piece of positive news for Daley, with NSW’s preparations for Origin II having lurched from one drama to the next.
From injuries to Hayne and hooker Robbie Farah (cheekbone) to the loss of starting prop James Tamou, who was stood down by the NRL following a high-range drink-driving charge, nothing has run smoothly for Daley.
Farah is understood to be in no doubt for game two, and is expected to be able to train from the Blues’ first session.
“(A smooth preparation) was a big reason why we performed so well in game one,” Daley told AAP this week.
Daley is expected to name Hayne on Sunday, but could possibly announce an extended squad including the likes of Josh Dugan as standby players.
Hayne’s injury aside, Daley’s biggest decision will revolve around replacing Tamou in the front row.
Penrith’s Grant is the front-runner despite the fact he continues to struggle with a broken hand, while Newcastle pair Willie Mason and Kade Snowden also have claims.
Whoever replaces Tamou in the squad may not need take over the starting role, with Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan endorsing Andrew Fifita to step in and fill the breach.
Fifita made his Blues debut in game one, making 75 metres and 20 tackles off the bench in just 29 minutes.
But having seen the youngster’s rise at club level, Flanagan has no doubt his young charge will withstand a desperate Maroons in the Suncorp Stadium cauldron.
“He could definitely do it if they wanted him to,” Flanagan told AAP.
“I’m not quite sure the way Laurie sees it but if he needs to start, he can start.
“He’s done it for us. Whether you start or come off the bench he won’t make too much of it.
“Some people are better coming off the bench and can adapt to it better, some people are better starting.
“Andrew is more than capable in either role.
“I knew he wouldn’t be overawed by the big stage.
“He’s playing first grade week in, week out and he’s a very confident kid. He handled it really well.”
