Coach Laurie Daley says he’s confident injured veterans Paul Gallen, Jarryd Hayne and Greg Bird will be fit enough to take their place in the NSW side for the rugby league State of Origin decider on July 17 at ANZ Stadium.
Daley named a 20-man squad on Sunday with Newcastle winger James McManus and young Sydney Roosters back-rower Boyd Cordner selected on an extended bench along with Aaron Woods.
Skipper Gallen and Bird will both arrive in camp on Monday morning wearing moon boots to protect foot injuries while Hayne is still nursing the hamstring problem that’s sidelined him for a month.
The coach will give the players until next weekend to prove their fitness and wants them to be running by Friday before taking part in Sunday’s opposed training session, though he admits the situation is far from ideal.
“When they come in they’ll have to prepare as if they’ll play,” Daley said.
“Given it’s our three most experienced players, our three leaders in Greg, Gal and Jarryd, we’ll give them every opportunity to be right.
“At some point there has to be a cut-off – I’m assuming now Friday.”
Should Hayne prove his fitness he’ll start on the wing in place of the axed Nathan Merritt, with Josh Dugan selected at fullback after a solid performance in the game two defeat in Brisbane on June 26.
McManus last played for the Blues in the 2009 Origin opener and will replace Hayne should he fail to prove his fitness. Merritt was dropped after a disappointing debut in game two.
Cordner, 21, is rated one of the best young back-rowers in the NRL and he’s set to debut if Bird doesn’t respond to treatment on his foot.
Scottish-born McManus is rewarded for his excellent club after scoring his fifth try in two games in the Knights’ win over Canterbury in Mackay on Sunday.
“James is in good form. He’s been there before,” Daley said.
“He’s the best in terms in what he brings to the table for all wingers in the competition.
“He’s playing well and he adds a bit of size out wide.
“If anything happens to Jarryd, James will come in.”
NSW team: Jarryd Hayne, Brett Morris, Michael Jennings, Josh Morris, Josh Dugan, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Paul Gallen (capt), Robbie Farah, James Tamou, Luke Lewis, Ryan Hoffman, Greg Bird. Interchange: Andrew Fifita, Anthony Watmough, Trent Merrin, Josh Reynolds, James McManus, Boyd Cordner. (three to be omitted)