Injury robs Jake Friend of Origin trial against Andrew McCullough

Jake Friend has been robbed of a duel for the Queensland Origin hooker jersey with a shoulder injury set to keep the Roosters co-captain out for at least the next fortnight.

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Jake Friend has been robbed of a duel for the Queensland Origin hooker jersey with a shoulder injury set to keep the Roosters co-captain out for at least the next fortnight.

In a sensational match-up, the Roosters face Brisbane on Thursday night at the SCG where Friend would’ve been drawn into a one-on-one battle with Maroons incumbent and Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough.

However, Friend was forced from the field in the Roosters 32-18 win over Parramatta on Friday night with what The Sunday Telegraph has been told is nerve damage to his shoulder.

Friend, who has won two premierships with the Roosters and represented Australia, is yet to make his Origin debut.

Jake Friend was injured in the club’s win over the Eels. Picture: Mark Metcalfe

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In the wake of Cameron Smith’s representative retirement, McCullough played in all three games during last year’s series for Queensland.

But following an outstanding 2018 season, which culminated with a second premiership ring in the grand final, Friend has had every right to set his 2019 sights on the only jumper missing from his wardrobe.

In Friend’s absence on Thursday night, utility Victor Radley or Mitchell Aubusson, are the two best options to fill the captain’s void against the Broncos.

Friend would have faced Andrew McCullough on Thursday night. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

“Jake’s our captain and a pretty resilient player,’’ Roosters co-captain Boyd Cordner said yesterday.

“He’s a tough bloke and a massive part of our team.

“I’m not too sure where he’s at for next week. Hopefully he’s out there, but it’s early in the year so it’s important he gets it right.

“Having said that, anyone who puts on the Roosters jersey is trusted by the players around them and knows their role.”

In better news for the premiers, star halfback Cooper Cronk (hamstring), is expected to return against the Broncos to re-unite alongside Luke Keary in the Roosters halves.

Cronk has missed the last two matches due to hamstring soreness.

And despite prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves suffering a rib cartilage injury against the Eels - he too, is expected to push through the pain barrier to tackle the Broncos.