NSW have received an early boost ahead of the second State of Origin clash after scans cleared Penrith centre Casey McLean of serious damage to his ankle.
McLean failed to finish Sunday’s 68-0 hammering of the Wests Tigers after hurting his ankle, and underwent precautionary scans late on Sunday.
The 20-year-old said after the game: “I’m pretty confident I’ll be fine. It was just a scare – I jumped up, it got caught up and I landed a bit funny. If it was a do-or-die match, I would have taken the field again. All the physios are happy with the testing.”
Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly confirmed McLean had suffered a minor impingement, with slight inflammation at the front of his ankle.
He is expected to take part in the Blues’ first full training session in camp on Thursday.
The Blues players for Origin II will be named later today and are due arrive at Sydney Olympic Park before returning to their Central Coast base on Tuesday.
Mitchell Moses will undergo a fitness test on his hamstring on Monday afternoon before the King’s Birthday clash against Canterbury, in the hope of getting the green light from Parramatta to return to the Blues side.
Meanwhile, Queensland have recalled Broncos fullback Reece Walsh on to the extended bench. Cowboys back-rower Heilum Luki has also been named, while Walsh’s Brisbane teammate Ezra Mam drops out.
Queensland team for Origin II
Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights), Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins), Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins), Jojo Fifita (Gold Coast Titans), Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm), Sam Walker (Sydney Roosters), Thomas Flegler (Dolphins), Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans), Briton Nikora (Cronulla Sharks), Kurt Capewell (New Zealand Warriors), Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys), Max Plath (Dolphins), Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters), Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins), Trent Loiero (Melbourne Storm), Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos), Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys), Heilum Luki (North Queensland Cowboys).
More to come
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