Tamou, Dugan should be fit for Origin I

Prop James Tamou is on track to overcome an infection and take his place in the NSW side for State of Origin I, alongside the Blues’ other fitness concern Josh Dugan.

Tamou and Dugan, who has an arm injury, were two players Blues coach Laurie Daley said were in doubt for the series opener when he named his 19-man squad on Monday.

North Queensland prop Tamou wasn’t at Star City for the announcement and Dugan had his arm wrapped in a supporting bandage.

However Daley is confident both players will be right for game one in Sydney on Wednesday week.

Tamou had the infection, understood to have resulted from a boil, treated in hospital on Monday and flew up with the Blues squad to Coffs Harbour on Tuesday for the start of their week-long camp.

“James looks to be okay,” Daley said.

“We just have to make sure he doesn’t do too much, we have to rehydrate him and he may have lost a little bit of weight – we will have to feed him up.

“We just have to be cautious with James.”

The Blues will train for the first time on Wednesday. Daley didn’t know if Dugan would take part in the early morning session but doesn’t expect him to miss Origin I.

“He is recovering well, but I don’t know if he will train tomorrow,” Daley said.

Daley is expected to finalise his 17 for game one on Thursday. Dugan’s inclusion would push Josh Morris out of the team, while Andrew Fifita will likely drop out for Tamou.

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