Queensland have been rocked by the withdrawal of Sam Thaiday from State of Origin II, with his club side Brisbane unsure as to the seriousness of his shoulder injury.
Thaiday broke camp on the Sunshine Coast on Friday after Queensland’s medical staff, including team physician, Dr Roy Saunders, ruled him out of Wednesday night’s ANZ Stadium clash.
“We felt that it was in the best interests of Sam and the team to rule him out today,” Saunders said.
Such is Thaiday’s value to the Maroons that his withdrawal has dramatically altered betting markets, with Queensland going from favourites to $2 outsiders on the back of the news, NSW firming to $1.85.
Broncos coach Anthony Griffin said he had spoken to Thaiday but was uncertain as to how long the Brisbane skipper would be sidelined.
Thaiday suffered the shoulder injury playing against Newcastle last Sunday and had scans before entering Origin camp on Tuesday.
He had been hoping the injury would respond to treatment and improve enough for him to play his 19th Origin in Sydney next week.
“He’s already had scans and we’ll get on with his rehabilitation,” Griffin said.
There were suggestions Thaiday’s shoulder injury was more serious than first thought although Griffin was uncertain as to how long he would be sidelined.
“Our physios and doctors are having a look at him today,” he told AAP on Friday.
“I don’t think he’s going to need surgery at the moment.
“It (the shoulder) is just a bit weak on him.
“I’m not sure (how long he will be out) I’m just waiting to see how it settles down and see what the doctors and physios say.”
Thaiday has been carrying a lower back injury into games all season.
His Brisbane teammate Corey Parker will come into the 17-man squad and could even start the game in the second-row if coach Mal Meninga prefers to leave utility Matt Gillett on the bench.