Queensland coach Mal Meninga is quietly confident injured winger Darius Boyd will play in next week’s State of Origin series opener against NSW in Sydney.
Boyd was initially considered no chance of running out for the Maroons when he damaged his ankle in an awkward tackle during Newcastle’s NRL loss to New Zealand Warriors last Sunday.
The Knights flyer was even presented at Monday night’s team announcement in Brisbane wearing a moon boot to protect the injury.
Melbourne speedster Justin O’Neill flew into the Queensland camp on Monday after Meninga named an extended squad for Origin I.
However, Meninga indicated on Tuesday that O’Neill may not be required.
“He (Boyd) is a pretty good chance of playing actually,” Meninga said in Bundaberg where Queensland were holding their fan day.
“He’s just got a badly bruised ankle.
“He’s doing everything he possibly can to play.”
Meninga said Boyd would be given until Friday to prove his fitness but believed medical staff would have a verdict much sooner.
“The first 48 hours are pretty important. When we get back (to team camp on the Sunshine Coast) tonight we will see how it sits, if the swelling has gone down,” he said.
“The medical staff have assured me that within two days we will know if Darius is a chance.”
O’Neill is on standby after attending Queensland Emerging Origin camps under Wayne Bennett and making his Indigenous All Stars debut this year.
“We’ve got Justin coming into the camp today,” Meninga said.
“If Darius doesn’t make it and Justin gets his opportunity he will do Queensland proud.”
Queensland fly to their Coolum team camp on Tuesday night after enjoying a street parade, clinic and autograph signing session in Bundaberg.