A contemporary harm concern for Tom Trbojevic has Blues’ brass anxious about his health for Game 1 on May 31.
Additionally, a Manly teammate of Trbojevic is making it more durable and more durable for Blues coach Brad Fittler to depart him out of the beginning aspect.
Meanwhile, incumbent Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga made a robust return to motion for the Knights on Saturday night time with one Quensland nice believing he would have “absolutely no hesitation” choosing him for Origin.
Read on for the newest Blues and Maroons news in Origin Scout.
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WILL TURBO BE FIT FOR GAME 1?
While the Sea Eagles supporters sweat on the scans of Tom Trbojevic’s injured groin, one member of the Blues teaching employees has had his say.
Greg Alexander, who’s aside of Brad Fittler’s Blues employees in an advisory position, spoke Monday on Trbojevic’s Origin standing on SEN’s Breakfast with Vossy and Brandy.
“There is certainly plenty to think about. We’ll find out how bad the groin is first,” Alexander stated.
“It doesn’t just happen. Usually he’d be an automatic selection but until Tom finds a little bit of form, there’s plenty to think about.”
Trbojevic suffered the harm within the seventieth minute of Manly’s 22-16 win over the Tigers.
Coach Anthony Seibold stated post-game the fullback “thought he could have kept playing but he thought he’d be smart about it.”
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OLAKAU’TAU FIRMING FOR MAIDEN ORIGIN JERSEY
The type of second-rower Haumole Olakau’tau has been one of many highlights of Manly’s 4-1-2 season, and loads of good judges expect the 24-year-old to be suitably rewarded with a maiden Blues jersey.
Penrith’s Liam Martin, who performed within the second row all through the 2022 Origin collection, is coping with a thriller hamstring harm and there’s no timeframe for his return.
Another Origin hopeful in Souths star Keaon Koloamatangi is coping with a dreaded syndesmosis harm and received’t be accessible for Game 1.
Saab and Sea Eagles break Tiger hearts | 00:35
That leaves the door vast open for Olakau’tau to start out within the New South Wales again row with Cam Murray and Isaah Yeo.
Queensland captain and Olakau’tau’s Manly teammate Daly Cherry-Evans offered a tongue-in-cheek comment when requested if the second rower was prepared for Origin.
“I hope not,” Cherry-Evans stated.
“It’s been a real pleasure to play alongside of him and watch his game grow.”
PONGA ON TRACK FOR GAME 1 START
Kalyn Ponga made a “confident” return for the Knights on the weekend after a five-week lay-off with a concussion.
Reece Walsh has been in spectacular kind for the Broncos this season however Cooper Cronk firmly believes Ponga ought to hold his Queensland no 1 jersey when the Origin groups are introduced in just below a month.
Ponga got here off the bench and performed 53 minutes in his return in opposition to the Cowboys, bettering as the sport progressed.
“I don’t think there would be many players in the competition who would come back under the circumstances he did,” Cronk stated publish the Knights-Cowboys conflict.
Newcastle Knights Press Conference | 04:05
“There would be absolutely no hesitation picking him for Origin.”
It’s straightforward to recollect the starring position Ponga performed for the Maroons in final 12 months’s decider, incomes man-of-the-match honours.
“What he has done at that level and for that Queensland jersey is elite,” Cronk stated.
Ponga, importantly, didn’t draw back in assault and defence in opposition to the Cowboys and can probably see his minutes enhance this Friday night time in opposition to Eels.
Source: www.foxsports.com.au