Maroons stomach bug concerns ease

There’s a positive sign that Queensland have overcome a stomach bug that hit their Gold Coast camp – quarantined forward Jacob Lillyman is back at the buffet.

Up to six players were struck down by illness upon their arrival at their State of Origin game two camp, with Lillyman the worst hit.

The Warriors forward was placed in quarantine and missed training on Friday with an ill Aidan Guerra, Matt Scott and Corey Oates reduced to light duties.

It was yet another disruption ahead of Wednesday’s Origin II in Brisbane for the Maroons who were already sweating on the fitness of injured winger Dane Gagai (quad).

But Queensland centre Justin O’Neill was confident the entire squad would train together for the first time on Sunday after witnessing proof the worst had passed – Lillyman tucking in at breakfast on Saturday.

O’Neill said they still did not know how the illness started but believed it was a 24-hour bug after seeing notorious big eater Lillyman’s appetite officially return.

“Jacob didn’t make it to training yesterday but he must be alright because we saw him at the buffet at breakfast,” O’Neill said.

“There were a few boys who were pretty crook yesterday and the day before.

“But I think everyone has pulled up alright.”

Maroons team doctor Matt Hislop described it as a “minor stomach upset”.

“While we had taken steps to quarantine players we’re not overly concerned at this stage,” he said.

“It’s a minor stomach upset.”

O’Neill was also confident that Gagai would be by his side at training on Sunday.

Gagai has been reduced to sideline drills all camp to date.

O’Neill’s North Queensland teammate Kyle Feldt has been brought into camp on standby.

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

Feldt said he had adopted the mindset that he would play and he’d learn his fate 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.”

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

“You are running around a training paddock with Greg Inglis, Cam Smith and Corey Parker – it’s pretty surreal,” he said.

“This is the first time I have met them.

“I will take away every bit of information I can.”

Queensland had a day off on Saturday.

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