State of Origin injury news: Queensland Maroons star in doubt, debutant on standby
Queensland are still picking up the pieces from a State of Origin series loss. Injuries could force changes as they look to avoid a whitewash in Newcastle. Latest team news.
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Queensland are sweating on the fitness of star fullback Tamika Upton, who is in serious doubt to take the field for State of Origin III in Newcastle next week.
Scans have shown the 28-year-old suffered a hip injury in Thursday’s loss to NSW at Allianz Stadium, which forced her off the field early in the second half of the 26-6 defeat.
With NSW chasing a whitewash in Newcastle next Thursday night, Maroons coach Tahnee Norris is desperate to give Upton the chance to take the field to avoid an embarrassing three straight losses.
However, that call is likely to come within the next 24 hours with Queensland set to name the team for game three on Wednesday morning.
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Should Upton be ruled out as feared, in-form Broncos fullback Hayley Maddick is next in line to make her Origin debut.
Maddick was part of the Maroons squad and then 18th player for game two and is the next logical choice for the No.1 jersey should Norris be forced to make changes in the backline.
It’s understood changes are being considered across the field after losing the first series in three years.
Meanwhile, NSW centre Jess Sergis has been cleared of a serious head and neck injury and will be fit to play Origin III at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The Blues star was taken from the field at halftime last week and still appeared dazed after the match after copping a head knock earlier in the game.
Following protocols she is expected to be fit to play next Thursday in an unchanged side for coach John Strange as the Blues chase the first whitewash in women’s State of Origin history.
Players are set to join their respective camps on Thursday.
Originally published as State of Origin injury news: Queensland Maroons star in doubt, debutant on standby
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