The NSW Blues are facing a disrupted build-up to the deciding clash of the 2025 State of Origin series, with five key players battling various injuries.
Superstar winger Brian To’o is racing the clock to prove his fitness after suffering a knee scare during Penrith’s recent victory.
To’o has been kept to light duties in Blues camp to manage swelling, with Jacob Kiraz elevated to 18th man in case he is needed to cover To’o should he be ruled out.
There is also a big watch on the halves pairing, with both Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai still yet to participate in full training together in camp.
MORE: Kiraz lifts the lid on To'o injury
Cleary has carried a groin strain since Game 2, where he surprised everyone by relinquishing goal-kicking duties and appearing with a heavily strapped thigh.
His current kicking work ahead of Wednesday night remains limited.
Luai only just returned to full training after a staph infection saw him briefly hospitalized, though he has played down any talk of missing the decider, insisting he is now back to full health.
Despite this, it is far from ideal preparation to have your starting halves missing full team sessions together in what is the biggest test of coach Laurie Daley’s Origin resurrection campaign.
The news does not get much better in the Blues engine room, with two key forwards also struggling — including arguably the most important player in the Blues pack, Payne Haas, who is less than fully fit.
After battling various injuries over the last couple of months, Haas is now dealing with a back issue that required an injection before joining the squad.
The powerful prop sat out most of the early field sessions but is confident of ramping up his preparation closer to game day.
Whilst not of quite the same stature, Hudson Young is still very important to the Blues’ success and also on modified training.
Young has been managing a groin problem picked up last week that saw him ruled out of the Canberra Raiders’ last match for rest and also requiring injections.
All five players are being closely monitored by Blues medical staff around the clock but Laurie Daley insists he has faith all will be available to play in front of a huge home crowd at Accor Stadium.
Despite the team’s public confidence, it is still far from ideal to have such an injury-affected preparation, and time will tell if all five stars can actually take the field come game day.