Broncos fullback Reece Walsh is in doubt for the State of Origin series opener after suffering a knee injury in the Broncos’ 20-18 loss to the Warriors at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Saturday night.
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Brisbane coach Michael Maguire said Walsh will be sent for scans to determine the extent of the injury.
“He’s done something to his knee,” Maguire said in the post-game press conference.
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“It was a real credit to him to fight through the game.
“There is something there that we need to have a look at and we need to get a scan around that so he fought through the whole game with that issue.
“We’ll have to wait and see whether he’s right to play over the next couple of weeks.”
As well as concerns around Walsh’s fitness, a lack of form might also be an issue for the 22-year-old at the Maroons’ selection table.
In golden point extra-time against the Warriors, a kick-off from Walsh sailed over the dead-ball line.
The Warriors opted to take a shot at goal from the centre of the halfway line as a result, and Luke Metcalf landed the two points to give the Warriors a win.
Kalyn Ponga would likely slot into the Queensland fullback position if Walsh doesn’t play.
The fitness and form of Walsh aren’t the only headaches for Maroons coach Billy Slater as the series opener on May 28 at Suncorp Stadium approaches.
Hooker Harry Grant is expected to miss four to six weeks with a hamstring injury.
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If Grant were to be unavailable for game one, it would free up a starting spot at No.9 and/or a bench spot.
In-form Bulldogs rake Reed Mahoney and Ben Hunt would be the contenders to replace Grant, who started at hooker in game three of last year’s series.
Munster light-heartedly suggested Selwyn Cobbo could play hooker.
“Bill has got a couple of ideas. He might even put (Selwyn) Cobbo at hooker. You never know,” Munster grinned.
But he then gave a more serious response.
“He’s got a good way of thinking about the game, Billy. If he picks Reed he picks Reed. He’s been having real good games for the Dogs,” Munster said.
“I’m sure he is in line to get his opportunity, but we have still got Ben Hunt there and myself and Tommy Dearden, who could play utility off the bench.”
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