With just a week remaining until the State of Origin series decider, five NSW Blues players are still facing uncertainties due to injury or illness after Wednesday’s training session held in the Blue Mountains.
Nathan Cleary (groin) and Jarome Luai (chest illness) both adhered to limited training routines to aid in their recovery, opting out of the team wrestling drill.
Payne Haas (back), Hudson Young (groin), and Brian To’o (knee) were completely absent from the training session.
Haas confirmed that all injuries within the NSW Blues camp were communicated to the coaching team before they convened, and he indicated he would return to training on Thursday.
The formidable prop has been managing a persistent back ailment throughout the season and has received injections to alleviate the discomfort.
When questioned about his confidence and whether the injections were impacting his performance, Haas expressed certainty that he would regain full fitness ahead of the crucial match.
“I didn’t participate much today,” Haas shared with reporters on Wednesday.
Nathan Cleary (L) and Jarome Luai (R) during a training session for the NSW Blues in the Blue Mountains. Getty
“I’ve been dealing with a back issue for much of the year; it’s just been a bit uncomfortable,” Haas explained.
“I had an injection in my back… The medical team in Brisbane believed it was wise for me to have a needle before joining the squad.”
“I’m just taking it easy and preparing for the game. I’ll step it up tomorrow. Everything is good.”
While Haas didn’t delve into the specifics of his back concern, he jokingly remarked: “I reckon I’m just being a bit soft.”
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The Broncos superstar noted that the last time he felt completely fit was “probably in round one”.
“That’s the nature of the game; it’s what footy is all about,” he continued.
“You’re never at full capacity.
“I just want to go out there and perform my role well.”
Blues players captured during a training session in the Blue Mountains. Getty
To’o sustained a tear to the lateral ligament in his left knee while playing for Penrith against Canterbury last Thursday.
Haas described To’o as a “freak” and expressed his confidence that To’o would be ready to perform next Wednesday, despite To’o himself acknowledging in an interview with 9News that he felt he was “hanging by a thread”.
Jacob Kiraz, on standby as the 18th man for the Penrith winger, participated fully in the session alongside the rest of the squad.
Kiraz was joined on the field by extended squad members Bradman Best, Brian Kelly, Lindsay Smith, Jack Williams, Isaiya Katoa, and Teig Wilton.
Both NSW and Queensland are set to hold training sessions on Monday at Accor Stadium.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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