Queensland’s depleted backline is under a further injury cloud with debutants Brenko Lee and Kurt Capewell both battling niggles ahead of Wednesday’s State of Origin opener.
Lee was a disconsolate figure as he limped off during Tuesday’s final training session at CBUS Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, while Capewell only did light duties with strapping on his left leg.
Maroons coach Wayne Bennett confirmed after training Lee was battling a calf issue while Capewell had a groin complaint.
The veteran coach is confident both will be deemed fit to play against the Blues at Adelaide Oval but admitted he would be taking an extra player to South Australia as cover, most likely Hymel Hunt.
“Nothing serious. One felt a bit of a strain in his groin, the other one is a calf muscle,” Bennett said.
“They just went off as precautionary but I talked to the doctor and the physios and they’re all confident they’ll be fine and will play tomorrow.”
Losing either player will add further pressure to the Maroons, who are already missing incumbent backline stars Michael Morgan, Moses Mbye and Kalyn Ponga to injury.
North Queensland’s Valentine Holmes is also unavailable through suspension.
Bennett is set to name at least eight debutants when the final squads are named later on Tuesday.
Injury permitting, Capewell is a confirmed starter with Gold Coast winger Phillip Sami the man to make way from the 21-player squad named last week.
Dane Gagai will move from centre to the left wing slot in place of Sami.
On the other wing, Xavier Coates showed no sign of discomfort on Tuesday despite suffering a low-grade sprain to his shoulder in training on Sunday.
Bennett confirmed the 19-year-old will debut as he prepares to take Queensland’s least inexperienced lineup since 2001 into battle against a Blues team chasing a third-straight Origin series victory.
“It’s probably a little bit of an issue (experience) but it shouldn’t be too bad, they all play in the NRL and are used to playing against the players they’re playing tomorrow night,” he said.
“They’ve got some experienced players around them – Cherry-Evans and Cameron Munster – those guys are experienced. In the forwards we’ve got Jake Friend and Josh Papalii.
“I’m confident without being overconfident.
“Tough game, you know that the other team will be up for it, but I think we’ve done the best we can.
“I’m not standing here today with any regrets about what we’ve done or why we’ve done it and how we’ve done it.”
The Maroons fly to Adelaide on Wednesday before returning to Queensland after the match.