Queensland Maroons recall Pat Carrigan and Jeremiah Nanai for series decider
Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has recalled star forwards Pat Carrigan and Jeremiah Nanai for the State of Origin series decider; The former player is expected to face fitness tests in his clash at Suncorp Stadium.
There were fears that Carrigan would be sidelined after missing the second premiership game in Melbourne after suffering a syndesmosis injury in the Brisbane Broncos’ defeat against the Dragons a month ago.
Lock was named on Slater’s bench and he will need to prove he has overcome the disruption as he has not played since, as his inclusion would come at the expense of mainstay support Lindsay Collins.
Collins failed an assessment for a head injury during the Sydney Roosters’ win against the Broncos on Friday night; Concussion protocols guaranteed he wouldn’t be able to participate in contact practice until this weekend (less than five days before the July 8 game).
Meanwhile, Nanai was recalled to replace Kulikefu Finefeuiaki following his two-try heroics in the North Queensland Cowboys’ win against the Penrith Panthers on Saturday.
Nanai suffered a gruesome injury following shoulder surgery in the off-season, and concerns resurfaced two games after his return. He played in the Cowboys’ last two games, scoring three tries and averaging 110 rushing meters and 26.5 tackles.
“You can see in two games how important he is to us,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten said after his team’s 26-12 victory over Penrith.
“What I like is that he spends a lot of time out of the game but doesn’t miss a beat.
“I know it hurts with 15-20 minutes left.
“I’ve got a message in the box [saying] “Should we consider taking him out and making a change, but the people around him pushed him into it?”
Raiders hotshot Corey Horsburgh has been named as the 20th man, replacing Heilum Luki, and will remain on hand to come onto the six-man bench should Carrigan fail to prove his fitness.
Queensland Maroons third team match
1. Kalyn Ponga; 2. Selwyn Cobbo; 3. Robert Toia; 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow; 5.Jojo Fifita; 6. Cameron Münster; 7.Sam Walker; 8.Thomas Flegler; 9.Harry Grant; 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui; 11. British Nikora; 12.Kurt Capewell; 13. Reuben Cotter; 14.Max Plath; 15. Pat Carrigan; 16. Jeremiah Nanai; 17. Trent Loiero; 18.Reece Walsh; 19.Murray Taulagi; 20. Corey Horsburgh
More to come.
