Feldt expects Gagai to play Origin II

Winger Kyle Feldt says he’s adopted the mindset that he’s going to play for Queensland in State of Origin II but expects Dane Gagai to be fit for next Wednesday’s match.

North Queensland flyer Feldt was brought into the Maroons squad on standby for Gagai (quad) who will hope to train with the main squad for the first time at their Gold Coast camp on Sunday.

“I have come into the camp thinking I am going to play so I am preparing like I normally do during the week,” Feldt said on Saturday.

“But he (Gagai) seems alright. I am just here in case he doesn’t pull through.”

Queensland coach Kevin Walters had been confident that the entire squad would assemble for training for the first time at the camp on Sunday despite a stomach bug affecting up to six players.

Jacob Lillyman missed training on Friday while Aidan Guerra, Matt Scott and Corey Oates were restricted to light duties.

Gagai has been reduced to sideline drills since arriving at camp as he nurses his quad complaint.

Feldt said even if he didn’t play Origin II he believed the Queensland camp experience would help improve his game.

“I get to hang around some of the best players in the world – it’s pretty surreal,” the 24-year-old said.

“You are running around a training paddock with Greg Inglis, Cam Smith and Corey Parker.

“This is the first time I have met them.

“I will take away every bit of information I can and take it back to the NRL.”

If Feldt plays he will be on the right wing linking with Queensland centre Justin O’Neill – his Cowboys teammate.

“I feel pretty lucky. Either choice (Feldt or Gagai) is pretty good for me – either player I am pretty confident in,” O’Neill said.

Queensland had a day off on Saturday.

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