An Achilles injury that has troubled James Roberts for months won’t stop him playing for NSW, Wayne Bennett says.
But it remains to be seen how many other Brisbane players make the State of Origin cut after Broncos skipper Darius Boyd admitted he was only a “50-50” chance of Queensland selection.
Broncos coach Bennett played down concerns for Roberts, saying the X-factor would be fit for Blues selection next week despite limping off in the second half of their 18-10 NRL win over Parramatta on Thursday night.
Bennett revealed Roberts had been nursing the injury since the pre-season but claimed the strike centre would not be a fitness concern before Blues selectors name their Origin I team on Monday.
“It flares up every day but he will be right. I am sure he will play Origin if he gets picked,” Bennett said.
But the jury is out on how many Broncos will feature for the Maroons.
The only years Brisbane players have not featured in a Queensland side were 1995 and 1997 during the Super League war.
And traditional powerhouse Brisbane’s Queensland representation looks set to take a hit this year with Matt Gillett (neck) out of the series and fellow backrower Josh McGuire (ankle) battling to be fit for game one.
However, Bennett talked up his Maroons hopefuls Boyd, Corey Oates, Joe Ofahengaue, Andrew McCullough and Sam Thaiday and did not rule out McGuire making a comeback for Queensland.
Asked if sidelined McGuire could play in June 6’s Origin opener, Bennett said: “I think he is close – he nearly played (against Eels) and been training flat out.”
Brisbane’s Maroons left wing contenders Boyd and Oates (one try, 216m) impressed against the Eels before the Queensland team is named on Monday.
However, speculation is rife the spot has already been snapped up by Cronulla flyer Valentine Holmes, who scored three tries in Origin III last year.
Boyd believed he was near his best after revealing his mental battle since overcoming pre-season hamstring dramas.
“It’s a mental thing for me. It’s never been about my hammies. That’s one thing people have probably gotten wrong,” Boyd said.
“It’s just about me trying to direct the team and leading by example, actually worry about my game and what I need to do.
“It definitely felt like one of my better games and I need to keep improving on that.”
But asked to rate his Origin chances, 28-game Queensland veteran Boyd said: “50-50.”
Bennett then interjected: “I would find it hard to leave him out.
“I just love players who have been there and done the job.”
Bennett believed Oates – dumped after game one last year – and McCullough “can’t do any more” to prove their Origin credentials.
McCullough is hoping to replace Cameron Smith at hooker following the ex-skipper’s shock representative retirement.
Tongan international Ofahengaue and 29-game veteran forward Thaiday, in his swansong NRL season, are Maroons bench options.
