Maroons selectors wait on injury news
The final make-up of Queensland's squad for the third State of Origin in Brisbane on Wednesday week will hinge on club medical reports.
After a smooth campaign which helped the Maroons clinch a historic fourth straight series in Sydney last month, Queensland have hit injury dramas in their bid to claim a first 3-0 clean sweep since 1995.
Long-serving prop Petero Civoniceva (toe) is out and his back-up, Ben Hannant (knee), is at long odds to play despite reports on Monday the young Bulldogs front-rower wants to be given a chance.
Selectors will have to replace Brisbane winger Israel Folau (fractured ankle), while medical updates on Titans' back-rower Ashley Harrison (ribs), Broncos' fullback Karmichael Hunt, who missed last Friday's win over the Warriors with an ankle injury, and Melbourne hooker Cameron Smith, who injured his shoulder in the Storm's tough 18-14 win over Newcastle at the weekend, will determine if they are selected.
Selectors Des Morris (chairman), Gene Miles and Alan Smith, who until now have had a charmed run, will meet on Monday night to discus the make-up of their 17-man squad, with an official team announcement made in Brisbane at 2pm on Tuesday when the team will assemble with coach Mal Meninga.
"There's been a fair bit of speculation already about the team and we'll sit down and look at the medical reports and see who is available," Morris told AAP.
"Hopefully we've got the players to cover any injuries."
NSW name their 17-man squad on Monday night with a strong push to recall Bulldogs' halfback Brett Kimmorley in a new scrum base partnership with Kurt Gidley.
Shifting Gidley to No.6 would allow the Blues to play Jarryd Hayne, clearly NSW's best player this series, at fullback where he can get closer to the action.
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