Injured Maroons halfback Ben Hunt racing clock for Origin I

PRESSURE is building on new Queensland halfback Ben Hunt to prove his fitness for Origin I as Anthony Milford stepped in to run the show for the Maroons at training.

Anthony Milford stepped in for Ben Hunt at Maroons training.

D-DAY has arrived for Maroons halfback Ben Hunt as pressure builds on Queensland’s new playmaker to prove his fitness for Origin I.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters told The Courier-Mail he will decide on Friday whether Hunt receives the green light to make his starting debut against NSW in Origin I this Wednesday night.

Ben Hunt, left with Andrew McCullough, is racing the clock for Queensland. Picture: Adam Had

Hunt’s former Broncos teammate Anthony Milford, who has entered Camp Maroon with five other shadow players, is on standby should the Dragons halfback succumb to a thigh injury.

The Maroons ramped-up preparations for the series opener at the MCG with their first training run since arriving at their base at Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast.

But several Maroons are racing the clock for Game One, with Hunt (thigh), fullback Billy Slater (hamstring) and lock Josh McGuire (ankle) taking a cautious approach at training yesterday.

The Maroons traditionally give injured players until Sunday to prove their fitness, but without retired trio Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk, Walters is keen to minimise disruptions.

Anthony Milford stepped in for Ben Hunt at Maroons training.

Hunt had intensive treatment Thursday night on the corked thigh he suffered six days ago against the Panthers, giving Walters confidence he will run onto the MCG.

“I’ll make a decision on Ben (Friday),” Walters said.

“We will have another session (on Friday) and I’m expecting Ben to be more involved.

“I reckon he will be OK to play but we’ve got options if that’s not the case.”

Hunt did a series of shuttle runs alone under the watchful eye of Maroons medicos. He performed side-stepping drills comfortably, but looked to be favouring his thigh, encased in a compression guard, when he attempted to run.

Billy Slater completed Queensland’s training session.

Hunt then joined the squad for the final 15 minutes, running a few basic plays, but most of the session featured Milford – who debuted in Origin I last year – calling the shots in the halves.

Should Hunt be ruled out, it is understood Michael Morgan will start at halfback, with Milford to be Queensland’s bench utility, but the Maroons are not giving up on the Dragons No.7.

“Ben is all good,” Maroons forward Josh Papalii said.

Josh McGuire is progressing well with an ankle injury.

“He could have trained (yesterday) but the physios and doctors are working on his leg.

“I would say he will be all right.”

Slater completed the session without drama, mainly calling plays and organising Queensland’s defence from the backfield, while McGuire is progressing well with his ankle injury.

“Slater was out there jogging with the boys and talking to ‘Moose’ (McGuire), he is all right,” Papalii said.

“They are doing their fitness on the side.”

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Originally published as Injured Maroons halfback Ben Hunt racing clock for Origin I