State of Origin squads named for opener with big hitters key injury doubts
Blues star Stephen Crichton is in the squad despite an injury doubt.
The squads have been named for the first match in this year’s State of Origin series – though both sides are battling several key injury issues.
The series will kick off on May 28 in Brisbane, and the Blues will head into the series with doubts over two players who have been named in Laurie Daley’s 17.
State of Origin squads named for series opener
Centre Stephen Crichton has been selected, though there are mounting reports that he is battling an injury that could yet see him miss out on the series opener.
And prop Payne Haas, undoubtedly a key member of the squad and arguably the best prop in the game at present, is battling a quad injury. Both are now in serious doubt of making the start line in Brisbane despite being named in Daley’s starting 13.
Canterbury prop Max King is included on an extended bench – if he is picked in the 17, it would rule him out of an England Test call-up later this year.
Mitchell Moses will partner Nathan Cleary in the halves for the Blues.
Meanwhile, the Maroons are also struggling with key players. Winger Murray Taulagi has already been ruled out of the Queensland team for Origin I after picking up a calf injury, meaning Xavier Coates and Valentine Holmes are given the nod out wide.
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And fellow back Selwyn Cobbo is also out of contention, with Roosters ace Robert Toia coming into the centres.
Despite picking up a gruesome face injury, Broncos star Pat Carrigan has been named at 13. Kalyn Ponga also returns to the Origin starting 13 instead of Reece Walsh.
Outgoing Manly Sea Eagles half-back Daly Cherry-Evans once again skippers the side from number seven, partnering with Cameron Munster in the halves.
Blues squad: Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax, Mitchell Moses, Nathan Cleary, Mitchell Barnett, Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Isaah Yeo. Interchange: Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young, Max King. Reserves: Campbell Graham, Stefano Utoikamanu, Haumole Olakau’atu.
Maroons squad: Kalyn Ponga, Xavier Coates, Robert Toia, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Valentine Holmes, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans, Moeaki Fotuaika, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Reuben Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai, Patrick Carrigan. Interchange: Tom Dearden, Lindsay Collins, Beau Fermor, Trent Loiero. Reserves: Kurt Mann, Jesse Arthars, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
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