Broncos star Payne Haas is facing uncertainty ahead of the State of Origin opener, which would pose a significant setback for New South Wales (NSW). According to Nine’s Michael Chammas, the 25-year-old prop will have scans on Monday after suffering a quad injury during Sunday’s narrow defeat to the Dragons, where he played 55 minutes on the field.
As the match concluded with a close score of 30-26 at Suncorp Stadium, concerns have emerged regarding Haas’s fitness, with reports suggesting he is only a ’50/50 chance’ of participating in the upcoming Origin clash. Since his debut in 2019, Haas has been a crucial member of the Blues squad and his potential absence could have far-reaching implications for NSW.
The Blues are also facing other worries as they prepare for their squad selection for the first game, particularly with Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton grappling with a groin problem. Meanwhile, Queensland is not without its injury challenges, having lost Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi to a calf injury.
Taulagi’s sidelining could allow Selwyn Cobbo to step in after he was cleared of serious wrist damage. On Monday, Billy Slater will announce Queensland’s squad, while NSW is expected to reveal their selections on Sunday night following the conclusion of Round 11.
As the teams brace for the intense competition of the State of Origin, the health and fitness of key players like Haas and Crichton remain pivotal to their respective teams’ chances of success.