A fresh injury concern for Tom Trbojevic has Blues’ brass worried about his fitness for Game 1 on May 31.
Additionally, a Manly teammate of Trbojevic is making it harder and harder for Blues coach Brad Fittler to leave him out of the starting side.
Meanwhile, incumbent Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga made a strong return to action for the Knights on Saturday night with one Quensland great believing he would have “absolutely no hesitation” picking him for Origin.
Read on for the latest Blues and Maroons news in Origin Scout.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
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 coaching staff has had his say.
Greg Alexander, who is part of Brad Fittler’s Blues staff in an advisory role, spoke Monday on Trbojevic’s Origin status 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 said.
“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 injury in the 70th minute of Manly’s 22-16 win over the Tigers.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Coach Anthony Seibold said post-game the fullback “thought he could have kept playing but he thought he’d be smart about it.”
It’s just one of a number of injury headaches facing Fittler.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard is facing up to two months on the sideline with recovery a hip injury suffered in a hip-drop tackle by NSW prop Payne Haas.
Keaon Koloamatangi, in the frame for selection, is out for six weeks with an ankle injury while Liam Martin is also battling a hamstring problem.
OLAKAU’TAU FIRMING FOR MAIDEN ORIGIN JERSEY
The form of second-rower Haumole Olakau’tau has been one of the highlights of Manly’s 4-1-2 season, and plenty of good judges are expecting the 24-year-old to be suitably rewarded with a maiden Blues jersey.
With Liam Martin under an injury cloud and another rising star in Keaon Koloamatangi to miss Game 1, that leaves the door wide open for Olakau’tau to start in the New South Wales back row with Cam Murray and Isaah Yeo.
.
Saab and Sea Eagles break Tiger hearts | 00:35
Queensland captain and Olakau’tau’s Manly teammate Daly Cherry-Evans provided a tongue-in-cheek remark when asked if the second rower was ready for Origin.
“I hope not,” Cherry-Evans said.
“It’s been a real pleasure to play alongside of him and watch his game grow.”
Olakau’tau was again one of Manly’s best in their win over the Tigers on Sunday, scoring a try and having a hand in another.
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 form for the Broncos this season but Cooper Cronk firmly believes Ponga should keep his Queensland number 1 jersey when the Origin teams are announced in just under a month.
Ponga came off the bench and played 53 minutes in his return against the Cowboys, improving as the game progressed.
“I don’t think there would be many players in the competition who would come back under the circumstances he did,” Cronk said post the Knights-Cowboys clash.
Newcastle Knights Press Conference | 04:05
“There would be absolutely no hesitation picking him for Origin.”
It’s easy to remember the starring role Ponga played for the Maroons in last year’s decider, earning man-of-the-match honours.
“What he has done at that level and for that Queensland jersey is elite,” Cronk said.
Ponga, importantly, didn’t shy away in attack and defence against the Cowboys and will likely see his minutes increase this Friday night against Eels.
