Key Blues sidelined in blow to Origin III preparations

Five NSW players either didn’t train or were on restricted duties in a disrupted session in the Blue Mountains on Wednesday.

Payne Haas (back), Hudson Young (groin) and Brian To’o (knee) watched the session at the Blue Mountains Grammar School at Wentworth Falls from the sidelines, while halves Nathan Cleary (groin) and Jarome Luai (infection) didn’t participate in the wrestling session.

Some key Blues couldn’t participate in the training session.Credit: Wolter Peeters

Local junior team Katoomba Devils were invited to watch the Blues go through their paces, although the media was asked to leave after 15 minutes.

Jacob Kirab, who is on standby for To’o as 18th man, was part of the field session, as were additional players Bradman Best, Brian Kelly, Lindsay Smith, Jack Williams, Isaiah Katoa and Teig Wilton.

The Blues’ biggest concern is the fitness of To’o, although he has publicly declared he will be fit for the series decider. To’o was arguably the Blues’ best player in game II, despite being hampered by a hamstring strain.

NSW and Queensland have both scheduled a training session at Accor Stadium on Monday to get them acclimatised to the venue and playing surface ahead of kick-off.

More to come

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