Chris Sandow dropped by Intrust Super Cup side Norths Devils for missing a training session

CHRIS Sandow’s chances of an NRL return appear bleaker than ever after the former Eels halfback was stood down by Queensland Cup side Norths Devils.

Round 6 of the Intrust Super Cup between Souths Logan Magpies and Norths Devils, Chris Sandow. Picture: John Gass

CHRIS Sandow has been hit by another setback on his road to rugby league redemption, after he was stood down by Norths for missing a training session.

The former South Sydney and Parramatta playmaker was a noticeable omission from the Devils’ Intrust Super Cup line-up in their stunning 36-32 victory over the Easts Tigers on Sunday.

The Courier-Mail understands the reason why Sandow did not play was because he missed a training session in the lead up to the match.

Despite being named as part of the original team announcement last Tuesday, Norths coach Mark Gliddon decided to sit Sandow out of the game as punishment.

Sandow has played with Norths Devils this season.

It is understood there was a venue change for session, but everyone else made it to training aside from the 28-year-old, who joined Norths this season in a bid to make his way back into the NRL.

While Gliddon was reluctant to discuss the reasons behind Sandow missing the important victory, he confirmed it was not due to Sandow’s form.

“Chris knows why he didn’t play this week,” Gliddon said.

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“It’s between me and Chris. We’ve had a little chat and he’s all good. There was a reason for it and he knows what that is. We decided not to play him this week.”

Sandow is expected to be available for selection for this Sunday’s massive test against competition leaders, Redcliffe.

However, he could have a hard time getting back into the team, following the impressive form

of young halves Jack Miers and Danny Kerr.

Sandow hasn’t played in the NRL since 2015.

With injured halfback Todd Murphy also pushing to make his comeback at Dolphin Oval, Gliddon could have some selection headaches.

Miers and Kerr were instrumental in Norths’ victory over Easts, with Miers especially impressive.

Gliddon was full of praise for the 19-year-old Colts player after the match on Sunday.

“He predominantly plays at nine but he played seven (on Sunday) and last week and did a terrific job,” Gliddon said.

“He’s a good young kid and I think he’s going to play a lot of footy at Queensland Cup level over the next few years.”