Five-eighth Trent Barrett sent a scare through the NSW camp yesterday, but it is lock Paul Gallen who is in grave doubt for State of Origin II, leaving the door ajar for Raiders back-rower Tom Learoyd-Lahrs to make his debut.
Barrett failed to finish a training session yesterday, after aggravating a back injury he initially suffered last week.
Blues medical staff are confident the injury won't prevent the 31-year-old from playing in the crunch match at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday. While official word out of the NSW camp is that Gallen will play despite carrying a shoulder injury, The Canberra Times understands team insiders still hold doubts about his fitness.
Learoyd-Lahrs was released from the NSW camp on Thursday so he could prepare for the Raiders' clash with Manly tomorrow.
While he is still expected to play against the Sea Eagles, he will be asked to back up on Wednesday should Gallen's shoulder continue to trouble him.
Gallen, coach Craig Bellamy and Blues doctor David Givney had a lengthy discussion after yesterday's training session, after Givney had inspected the Sharks enforcer's shoulder.
The injury kept Gallen out of Origin I and flared up again during the Sharks' two-point win over the Raiders last week.
For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times
Email a friend