Latest news with #OriginI
The Advertiser
16 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Penrith 2021 vibes as Blues brave litany of injuries
Liam Martin says there are similar vibes in the NSW Origin camp to Penrith's heroic 2021 NRL premiership, with several players defying injuries to feature in the decider. Payne Haas on Wednesday revealed he had a bulging disc in his lower back, which required him to be needled in Brisbane on Monday before flying to Sydney. Brian To'o is battling a grade-two ligament tear in his knee and won't run until at least Saturday, while Hudson Young (groin) was the third player to sit out NSW's opening training session in the Blue Mountains on Wednesday. Jarome Luai also avoided any contact due to the chest wound that caused his infection and three-night hospital stay last weekend, while halves partner Nathan Cleary is managing a groin issue. Penrith built a "climbing Everest" theme around the 2021 premiership win, with Dylan Edwards, To'o and Cleary among a nine-strong injured brigade to feature in that grand final. So ugly did things get, a 16-year-old Jett Cleary and Cameron Ciraldo's son teenage boy Kai were filling numbers at training. Close to half of that Penrith side are in NSW camp this week, and Martin said it had served as an inspiration since then that anything was possible with the group. "That '21 run is probably the most incredible thing. We still talk about it and what we managed to do that year," Martin said. "This is similar vibes, just the toughness of the group. "Bizza (To'o) in particular. I've played a few games where he's finished the game and it's turned out he's done his syndesmosis, stuff like that. "The toughness is incredible, they (all) continue to surprise you. I've got every faith that they'll be right for the game." No one has typified that toughness more than Haas during this year's Origin series. The Brisbane prop barely trained in the lead-up to Origin I due to a quad tear, before being man of the match in NSW series-opening win at Suncorp. The bulging disc in his back has also proven a pain since the start of the season, despite being the Broncos' best forward almost every week this year. "Every time I get the chance to play with him, I'm in awe of him, he's just a generational freak, just what he can do," Martin said. "I absolutely love playing with him and can't wait to do it again. "Game one, didn't train all week, was put on ice. And then he come out and seeing how he played is just incredible." Haas himself was also adamant there is no risk of him missing next Wednesday night's decider at Accor Stadium, or that the bulging disc would in any way hold him back. "I'm just resting up now, but I'll be doing some running tomorrow ... No chance (I'll be missing)," Haas said. "I had a bit of swelling down my lower back, and then got a minor disc bulge. "I had a needle on Monday ... It's all good." Liam Martin says there are similar vibes in the NSW Origin camp to Penrith's heroic 2021 NRL premiership, with several players defying injuries to feature in the decider. Payne Haas on Wednesday revealed he had a bulging disc in his lower back, which required him to be needled in Brisbane on Monday before flying to Sydney. Brian To'o is battling a grade-two ligament tear in his knee and won't run until at least Saturday, while Hudson Young (groin) was the third player to sit out NSW's opening training session in the Blue Mountains on Wednesday. Jarome Luai also avoided any contact due to the chest wound that caused his infection and three-night hospital stay last weekend, while halves partner Nathan Cleary is managing a groin issue. Penrith built a "climbing Everest" theme around the 2021 premiership win, with Dylan Edwards, To'o and Cleary among a nine-strong injured brigade to feature in that grand final. So ugly did things get, a 16-year-old Jett Cleary and Cameron Ciraldo's son teenage boy Kai were filling numbers at training. Close to half of that Penrith side are in NSW camp this week, and Martin said it had served as an inspiration since then that anything was possible with the group. "That '21 run is probably the most incredible thing. We still talk about it and what we managed to do that year," Martin said. "This is similar vibes, just the toughness of the group. "Bizza (To'o) in particular. I've played a few games where he's finished the game and it's turned out he's done his syndesmosis, stuff like that. "The toughness is incredible, they (all) continue to surprise you. I've got every faith that they'll be right for the game." No one has typified that toughness more than Haas during this year's Origin series. The Brisbane prop barely trained in the lead-up to Origin I due to a quad tear, before being man of the match in NSW series-opening win at Suncorp. The bulging disc in his back has also proven a pain since the start of the season, despite being the Broncos' best forward almost every week this year. "Every time I get the chance to play with him, I'm in awe of him, he's just a generational freak, just what he can do," Martin said. "I absolutely love playing with him and can't wait to do it again. "Game one, didn't train all week, was put on ice. And then he come out and seeing how he played is just incredible." Haas himself was also adamant there is no risk of him missing next Wednesday night's decider at Accor Stadium, or that the bulging disc would in any way hold him back. "I'm just resting up now, but I'll be doing some running tomorrow ... No chance (I'll be missing)," Haas said. "I had a bit of swelling down my lower back, and then got a minor disc bulge. "I had a needle on Monday ... It's all good." Liam Martin says there are similar vibes in the NSW Origin camp to Penrith's heroic 2021 NRL premiership, with several players defying injuries to feature in the decider. Payne Haas on Wednesday revealed he had a bulging disc in his lower back, which required him to be needled in Brisbane on Monday before flying to Sydney. Brian To'o is battling a grade-two ligament tear in his knee and won't run until at least Saturday, while Hudson Young (groin) was the third player to sit out NSW's opening training session in the Blue Mountains on Wednesday. Jarome Luai also avoided any contact due to the chest wound that caused his infection and three-night hospital stay last weekend, while halves partner Nathan Cleary is managing a groin issue. Penrith built a "climbing Everest" theme around the 2021 premiership win, with Dylan Edwards, To'o and Cleary among a nine-strong injured brigade to feature in that grand final. So ugly did things get, a 16-year-old Jett Cleary and Cameron Ciraldo's son teenage boy Kai were filling numbers at training. Close to half of that Penrith side are in NSW camp this week, and Martin said it had served as an inspiration since then that anything was possible with the group. "That '21 run is probably the most incredible thing. We still talk about it and what we managed to do that year," Martin said. "This is similar vibes, just the toughness of the group. "Bizza (To'o) in particular. I've played a few games where he's finished the game and it's turned out he's done his syndesmosis, stuff like that. "The toughness is incredible, they (all) continue to surprise you. I've got every faith that they'll be right for the game." No one has typified that toughness more than Haas during this year's Origin series. The Brisbane prop barely trained in the lead-up to Origin I due to a quad tear, before being man of the match in NSW series-opening win at Suncorp. The bulging disc in his back has also proven a pain since the start of the season, despite being the Broncos' best forward almost every week this year. "Every time I get the chance to play with him, I'm in awe of him, he's just a generational freak, just what he can do," Martin said. "I absolutely love playing with him and can't wait to do it again. "Game one, didn't train all week, was put on ice. And then he come out and seeing how he played is just incredible." Haas himself was also adamant there is no risk of him missing next Wednesday night's decider at Accor Stadium, or that the bulging disc would in any way hold him back. "I'm just resting up now, but I'll be doing some running tomorrow ... No chance (I'll be missing)," Haas said. "I had a bit of swelling down my lower back, and then got a minor disc bulge. "I had a needle on Monday ... It's all good."
The Age
a day ago
- Sport
- The Age
Five reasons Latrell Mitchell already has Queensland on edge
'It's my job to bring the best out of him, to make sure he's in the game from the get-go, and that I keep him in the game. Part of a playmaker's responsibility is to make sure his outside men are always in the game, they're in the zone, and when they want the ball they get the ball.' Fullback Dylan Edwards added: 'He's been really strong carrying the ball out of yardage, and some of his silky passes, not many people in the game can do those. 'He's such a physical person on the field, and super humble and so kind off it. I'm excited to see how he goes next Wednesday. I've got no doubts he'll be great.' In case Billy Slater and Queensland needed a refresher, here are five moments from Origin I and Origin II where Mitchell made his mark. Seeing Maroon Mitchell was physical in defence from the opening whistle at Suncorp Stadium, even picking up and smashing Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans into the ground in the first half. The Maroons send a lot of traffic down Mitchell's left edge in an effort to tire him, but he relished the challenge. He also came up with vital tackles on Kalyn Ponga and Xavier Coates when leading the kick-chase, and helped Edwards stop Harry Grant from burrowing over the tryline. How did he do that? One of the best moments of the series so far was Mitchell's pass to To'o to score on the half hour in game one. Queensland pair Rob Toia and Coates raced up on Mitchell, but he caught the ball and shuffled it wide in one midair motion for To'o to complete the short run to the tryline. 'That is just as good as it gets, that's special,' Andrew Johns said on the Nine commentary. Brad Fittler added: 'The fact is Latrell when he threw that ball he was off the ground, I don't know how he finds the strength to actually flick it through his hands that quick when he's not even on the ground.' Desperation play This passage of play was completely forgotten, but it eased some of the pressure on the Blues in Perth when Queensland looked ready to blow the game wide open. The Maroons led 12-6 in the 25th minute and marched downfield with ease before Cam Munster kicked at the end of a set. Coates leapt and kept the ball alive, and Queensland began to spread the ball back in-field. When Tom Dearden resisted a kick and passed to Toia, who failed to grasp it, Mitchell raced out of the line to dive on the ball and win back possession. It was an all-or-nothing play in the wet. Cooper Cronk suggested on the Fox Sports commentary Toia may have spilled the ball because he had one eye on Mitchell rushing in to flatten him. Queensland went on to lead 26-6 by half-time, but Mitchell's eagerness helped win back a bit of field position. To'o good The two passes for To'o to score in the west may not have been as flashy as his final ball in Brisbane, but Mitchell's ability to shift the ball with defenders rushing up on him was lovely to watch. In fact, few centres would have been able to keep their composure and execute with such precision like Mitchell. Just ask To'o, who has quickly learned to expect the unexpected when standing outside Mitchell. 'You can't really explain it. That's just Trell Mit showing his magic,' To'o said. 'Trell brings that bit of magic out of everyone. I'm grateful to have another year playing alongside him.' Perth strip show Jeremiah Nanai charged the ball up in the 71st minute, was greeted by Mitchell, Luai, Crichton and Hudson Young, before the latter three peeled off and Mitchell yanked the ball from Nanai's grasp. He then somehow juggled the ball in his right hand before going to ground and giving NSW a golden attacking set. Crichton was able to score a few plays later to get the Blues within two points.
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Five reasons Latrell Mitchell already has Queensland on edge
'It's my job to bring the best out of him, to make sure he's in the game from the get-go, and that I keep him in the game. Part of a playmaker's responsibility is to make sure his outside men are always in the game, they're in the zone, and when they want the ball they get the ball.' Fullback Dylan Edwards added: 'He's been really strong carrying the ball out of yardage, and some of his silky passes, not many people in the game can do those. 'He's such a physical person on the field, and super humble and so kind off it. I'm excited to see how he goes next Wednesday. I've got no doubts he'll be great.' In case Billy Slater and Queensland needed a refresher, here are five moments from Origin I and Origin II where Mitchell made his mark. Seeing Maroon Mitchell was physical in defence from the opening whistle at Suncorp Stadium, even picking up and smashing Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans into the ground in the first half. The Maroons send a lot of traffic down Mitchell's left edge in an effort to tire him, but he relished the challenge. He also came up with vital tackles on Kalyn Ponga and Xavier Coates when leading the kick-chase, and helped Edwards stop Harry Grant from burrowing over the tryline. How did he do that? One of the best moments of the series so far was Mitchell's pass to To'o to score on the half hour in game one. Queensland pair Rob Toia and Coates raced up on Mitchell, but he caught the ball and shuffled it wide in one midair motion for To'o to complete the short run to the tryline. 'That is just as good as it gets, that's special,' Andrew Johns said on the Nine commentary. Brad Fittler added: 'The fact is Latrell when he threw that ball he was off the ground, I don't know how he finds the strength to actually flick it through his hands that quick when he's not even on the ground.' Desperation play This passage of play was completely forgotten, but it eased some of the pressure on the Blues in Perth when Queensland looked ready to blow the game wide open. The Maroons led 12-6 in the 25th minute and marched downfield with ease before Cam Munster kicked at the end of a set. Coates leapt and kept the ball alive, and Queensland began to spread the ball back in-field. When Tom Dearden resisted a kick and passed to Toia, who failed to grasp it, Mitchell raced out of the line to dive on the ball and win back possession. It was an all-or-nothing play in the wet. Cooper Cronk suggested on the Fox Sports commentary Toia may have spilled the ball because he had one eye on Mitchell rushing in to flatten him. Queensland went on to lead 26-6 by half-time, but Mitchell's eagerness helped win back a bit of field position. To'o good The two passes for To'o to score in the west may not have been as flashy as his final ball in Brisbane, but Mitchell's ability to shift the ball with defenders rushing up on him was lovely to watch. In fact, few centres would have been able to keep their composure and execute with such precision like Mitchell. Just ask To'o, who has quickly learned to expect the unexpected when standing outside Mitchell. 'You can't really explain it. That's just Trell Mit showing his magic,' To'o said. 'Trell brings that bit of magic out of everyone. I'm grateful to have another year playing alongside him.' Perth strip show Jeremiah Nanai charged the ball up in the 71st minute, was greeted by Mitchell, Luai, Crichton and Hudson Young, before the latter three peeled off and Mitchell yanked the ball from Nanai's grasp. He then somehow juggled the ball in his right hand before going to ground and giving NSW a golden attacking set. Crichton was able to score a few plays later to get the Blues within two points.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Same Blue-print as NSW unchanged for Origin decider
NSW have named an unchanged team for the State of Origin decider as Laurie Daley backs Brian To'o to recover from a knee injury in time to play. Jacob Kiraz replaces Canterbury teammate Matt Burton as 18th man in the only change to the game-day squad that lost narrowly to Queensland in Origin II. But as it stands, Kiraz will only play in Sydney on July 9 in the event of multiple game-ending head knocks or one caused by an act of foul play that results in a sin bin. Daley has retained Stefano Utoikamanu despite speculation he could replace the Melbourne prop with versatile South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi for Origin III. Koloamatangi had been 19th man for Origin II before a facial injury, and Utoikamanu was mostly quiet after being called up to replace the injured Mitch Barnett. Jarome Luai is also named at five-eighth despite missing Wests Tigers' loss to Manly on Friday night with an illness that required hospitalisation. It marks the first time NSW have named an unchanged line-up for a game-three decider since their infamous 2020 series loss. To'o's selection comes after the Penrith ace hurt his knee and required ice after the tight win over Canterbury on Thursday night. It threw the winger's selection hopes into doubt, but scan results on Sunday morning showed no major injury, leaving the Panthers to contact NSW and confirm To'o could be selected. To'o's training loads are nevertheless likely to be managed in the lead-up to kick-off in Sydney on July 9, with his fitness now in the hands of Blues medical staff. NSW have already successfully navigated two injury niggles this series, though, as Payne Haas and To'o recovered from leg problems in time for Origin I and II respectively. The chance of To'o playing will be music to the ears of coach Daley after the winger was the Blues' best in a tight game-two loss. The four-time premiership winner crossed for three tries and ran for a game-high 229 metres as the Blues' comeback fell short in Perth. Should To'o fail to pull up in time for the decider, uncapped Kiraz would likely be called into the game-day 17. Aside from To'o and Luai's fitness concerns, NSW's only major selection question appeared to be around the make-up of the forward pack. But Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, on staff with NSW as an adviser to Daley, intimated on Sunday that Utoikamanu would hold his spot in the 17. "I wouldn't imagine he'd be left out, to be quite honest, but we'll see what happens," Bellamy said after the Storm's win over Cronulla. Daley has made one addition to his wider 20-man squad, with Newcastle centre Bradman Best called in to camp. Best excelled in two Origin appearances to date and has been in form for the Knights since returning from a hamstring issue. He would only be called into the 17 in the unlikely event of a mid-week injury. Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa, Gold Coast centre Brian Kelly, Parramatta forward Jack Williams and Cronulla edge Teig Wilton will join camp as training players, but are not eligible for selection without NRL exemption. NSW: Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Max King, Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Isaah Yeo, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young, Stefano Utoikamanu, Jacob Kiraz (18th man), Lindsay Smith (19th man), Bradman Best (20th man) NSW have named an unchanged team for the State of Origin decider as Laurie Daley backs Brian To'o to recover from a knee injury in time to play. Jacob Kiraz replaces Canterbury teammate Matt Burton as 18th man in the only change to the game-day squad that lost narrowly to Queensland in Origin II. But as it stands, Kiraz will only play in Sydney on July 9 in the event of multiple game-ending head knocks or one caused by an act of foul play that results in a sin bin. Daley has retained Stefano Utoikamanu despite speculation he could replace the Melbourne prop with versatile South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi for Origin III. Koloamatangi had been 19th man for Origin II before a facial injury, and Utoikamanu was mostly quiet after being called up to replace the injured Mitch Barnett. Jarome Luai is also named at five-eighth despite missing Wests Tigers' loss to Manly on Friday night with an illness that required hospitalisation. It marks the first time NSW have named an unchanged line-up for a game-three decider since their infamous 2020 series loss. To'o's selection comes after the Penrith ace hurt his knee and required ice after the tight win over Canterbury on Thursday night. It threw the winger's selection hopes into doubt, but scan results on Sunday morning showed no major injury, leaving the Panthers to contact NSW and confirm To'o could be selected. To'o's training loads are nevertheless likely to be managed in the lead-up to kick-off in Sydney on July 9, with his fitness now in the hands of Blues medical staff. NSW have already successfully navigated two injury niggles this series, though, as Payne Haas and To'o recovered from leg problems in time for Origin I and II respectively. The chance of To'o playing will be music to the ears of coach Daley after the winger was the Blues' best in a tight game-two loss. The four-time premiership winner crossed for three tries and ran for a game-high 229 metres as the Blues' comeback fell short in Perth. Should To'o fail to pull up in time for the decider, uncapped Kiraz would likely be called into the game-day 17. Aside from To'o and Luai's fitness concerns, NSW's only major selection question appeared to be around the make-up of the forward pack. But Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, on staff with NSW as an adviser to Daley, intimated on Sunday that Utoikamanu would hold his spot in the 17. "I wouldn't imagine he'd be left out, to be quite honest, but we'll see what happens," Bellamy said after the Storm's win over Cronulla. Daley has made one addition to his wider 20-man squad, with Newcastle centre Bradman Best called in to camp. Best excelled in two Origin appearances to date and has been in form for the Knights since returning from a hamstring issue. He would only be called into the 17 in the unlikely event of a mid-week injury. Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa, Gold Coast centre Brian Kelly, Parramatta forward Jack Williams and Cronulla edge Teig Wilton will join camp as training players, but are not eligible for selection without NRL exemption. NSW: Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Max King, Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Isaah Yeo, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young, Stefano Utoikamanu, Jacob Kiraz (18th man), Lindsay Smith (19th man), Bradman Best (20th man) NSW have named an unchanged team for the State of Origin decider as Laurie Daley backs Brian To'o to recover from a knee injury in time to play. Jacob Kiraz replaces Canterbury teammate Matt Burton as 18th man in the only change to the game-day squad that lost narrowly to Queensland in Origin II. But as it stands, Kiraz will only play in Sydney on July 9 in the event of multiple game-ending head knocks or one caused by an act of foul play that results in a sin bin. Daley has retained Stefano Utoikamanu despite speculation he could replace the Melbourne prop with versatile South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi for Origin III. Koloamatangi had been 19th man for Origin II before a facial injury, and Utoikamanu was mostly quiet after being called up to replace the injured Mitch Barnett. Jarome Luai is also named at five-eighth despite missing Wests Tigers' loss to Manly on Friday night with an illness that required hospitalisation. It marks the first time NSW have named an unchanged line-up for a game-three decider since their infamous 2020 series loss. To'o's selection comes after the Penrith ace hurt his knee and required ice after the tight win over Canterbury on Thursday night. It threw the winger's selection hopes into doubt, but scan results on Sunday morning showed no major injury, leaving the Panthers to contact NSW and confirm To'o could be selected. To'o's training loads are nevertheless likely to be managed in the lead-up to kick-off in Sydney on July 9, with his fitness now in the hands of Blues medical staff. NSW have already successfully navigated two injury niggles this series, though, as Payne Haas and To'o recovered from leg problems in time for Origin I and II respectively. The chance of To'o playing will be music to the ears of coach Daley after the winger was the Blues' best in a tight game-two loss. The four-time premiership winner crossed for three tries and ran for a game-high 229 metres as the Blues' comeback fell short in Perth. Should To'o fail to pull up in time for the decider, uncapped Kiraz would likely be called into the game-day 17. Aside from To'o and Luai's fitness concerns, NSW's only major selection question appeared to be around the make-up of the forward pack. But Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, on staff with NSW as an adviser to Daley, intimated on Sunday that Utoikamanu would hold his spot in the 17. "I wouldn't imagine he'd be left out, to be quite honest, but we'll see what happens," Bellamy said after the Storm's win over Cronulla. Daley has made one addition to his wider 20-man squad, with Newcastle centre Bradman Best called in to camp. Best excelled in two Origin appearances to date and has been in form for the Knights since returning from a hamstring issue. He would only be called into the 17 in the unlikely event of a mid-week injury. Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa, Gold Coast centre Brian Kelly, Parramatta forward Jack Williams and Cronulla edge Teig Wilton will join camp as training players, but are not eligible for selection without NRL exemption. NSW: Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Max King, Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Isaah Yeo, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young, Stefano Utoikamanu, Jacob Kiraz (18th man), Lindsay Smith (19th man), Bradman Best (20th man)
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Blues make big call on Origin winger after knee injury
Brian To'o will be selected for the third State of Origin match in a major boost to NSW's chances of clinching a series win. Penrith ace To'o went for scans on Saturday after hurting his knee and requiring ice following Thursday night's thrilling victory over Canterbury. Results received on Sunday morning showed no major injury, leaving the Panthers to contact NSW and confirm To'o could be selected in the official team on Sunday night. To'o's training loads are nevertheless likely to be managed in the lead-up to kick-off in Sydney on July 9, with his fitness now in the hands of Blues medical staff. NSW have already successfully navigated two injury niggles this series, though, as Payne Haas and To'o recovered from leg problems in time for Origin I and II respectively. The chance of To'o playing will be music to the ears of coach Laurie Daley after the winger was the Blues' best in a tight game-two loss. The four-time premiership winner crossed for three tries and ran for a game-high 229 metres as the Blues' comeback fell short in Perth. Should To'o fail to pull up in time for the decider, Jacob Kiraz would likely be called into camp again after To'o's hamstring issue put him on stand-by for Origin II. Kiraz is uncapped at Origin level but has enjoyed a brilliant 18 months with the resurgent Bulldogs. Blues five-eighth Jarome Luai is also expected to be named in Daley's team despite landing in hospital with illness and missing Wests Tigers' loss to Manly on Friday. A late call-up for Origin II after Mitch Moses' injury, Tigers playmaker Luai would be permitted to rest until later in the week if required to shake off lingering symptoms. Aside from To'o and Luai's fitness concerns, NSW's only major selection question appears to be around the make-up of the forward pack. One-time Origin representative Keaon Koloamatangi has been in strong form for South Sydney this year and had been due to travel to Perth for Origin II as 19th man before a facial injury. Fellow prop Stefano Utoikamanu had a quiet game in Origin II after replacing the injured Mitch Barnett and must make it through Sunday's match with Cronulla unscathed. Utoikamanu told AAP last week that he would understand if Daley chose to shake things up for the decider. "If they pick me or if they pick someone else, I'm happy. I'm always going to support the Blues," he told AAP. "I feel like anyone who gets the opportunity to step into that Blue jersey is going to do the job." Brian To'o will be selected for the third State of Origin match in a major boost to NSW's chances of clinching a series win. Penrith ace To'o went for scans on Saturday after hurting his knee and requiring ice following Thursday night's thrilling victory over Canterbury. Results received on Sunday morning showed no major injury, leaving the Panthers to contact NSW and confirm To'o could be selected in the official team on Sunday night. To'o's training loads are nevertheless likely to be managed in the lead-up to kick-off in Sydney on July 9, with his fitness now in the hands of Blues medical staff. NSW have already successfully navigated two injury niggles this series, though, as Payne Haas and To'o recovered from leg problems in time for Origin I and II respectively. The chance of To'o playing will be music to the ears of coach Laurie Daley after the winger was the Blues' best in a tight game-two loss. The four-time premiership winner crossed for three tries and ran for a game-high 229 metres as the Blues' comeback fell short in Perth. Should To'o fail to pull up in time for the decider, Jacob Kiraz would likely be called into camp again after To'o's hamstring issue put him on stand-by for Origin II. Kiraz is uncapped at Origin level but has enjoyed a brilliant 18 months with the resurgent Bulldogs. Blues five-eighth Jarome Luai is also expected to be named in Daley's team despite landing in hospital with illness and missing Wests Tigers' loss to Manly on Friday. A late call-up for Origin II after Mitch Moses' injury, Tigers playmaker Luai would be permitted to rest until later in the week if required to shake off lingering symptoms. Aside from To'o and Luai's fitness concerns, NSW's only major selection question appears to be around the make-up of the forward pack. One-time Origin representative Keaon Koloamatangi has been in strong form for South Sydney this year and had been due to travel to Perth for Origin II as 19th man before a facial injury. Fellow prop Stefano Utoikamanu had a quiet game in Origin II after replacing the injured Mitch Barnett and must make it through Sunday's match with Cronulla unscathed. Utoikamanu told AAP last week that he would understand if Daley chose to shake things up for the decider. "If they pick me or if they pick someone else, I'm happy. I'm always going to support the Blues," he told AAP. "I feel like anyone who gets the opportunity to step into that Blue jersey is going to do the job." Brian To'o will be selected for the third State of Origin match in a major boost to NSW's chances of clinching a series win. Penrith ace To'o went for scans on Saturday after hurting his knee and requiring ice following Thursday night's thrilling victory over Canterbury. Results received on Sunday morning showed no major injury, leaving the Panthers to contact NSW and confirm To'o could be selected in the official team on Sunday night. To'o's training loads are nevertheless likely to be managed in the lead-up to kick-off in Sydney on July 9, with his fitness now in the hands of Blues medical staff. NSW have already successfully navigated two injury niggles this series, though, as Payne Haas and To'o recovered from leg problems in time for Origin I and II respectively. The chance of To'o playing will be music to the ears of coach Laurie Daley after the winger was the Blues' best in a tight game-two loss. The four-time premiership winner crossed for three tries and ran for a game-high 229 metres as the Blues' comeback fell short in Perth. Should To'o fail to pull up in time for the decider, Jacob Kiraz would likely be called into camp again after To'o's hamstring issue put him on stand-by for Origin II. Kiraz is uncapped at Origin level but has enjoyed a brilliant 18 months with the resurgent Bulldogs. Blues five-eighth Jarome Luai is also expected to be named in Daley's team despite landing in hospital with illness and missing Wests Tigers' loss to Manly on Friday. A late call-up for Origin II after Mitch Moses' injury, Tigers playmaker Luai would be permitted to rest until later in the week if required to shake off lingering symptoms. Aside from To'o and Luai's fitness concerns, NSW's only major selection question appears to be around the make-up of the forward pack. One-time Origin representative Keaon Koloamatangi has been in strong form for South Sydney this year and had been due to travel to Perth for Origin II as 19th man before a facial injury. Fellow prop Stefano Utoikamanu had a quiet game in Origin II after replacing the injured Mitch Barnett and must make it through Sunday's match with Cronulla unscathed. Utoikamanu told AAP last week that he would understand if Daley chose to shake things up for the decider. "If they pick me or if they pick someone else, I'm happy. I'm always going to support the Blues," he told AAP. "I feel like anyone who gets the opportunity to step into that Blue jersey is going to do the job."
