NSW Blues training intel: Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai train with main squad; Haas, To’o, Young sidelined

NSW halves Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai have trained with the main squad for the first time but three teammates remain sidelined ahead of the decider.

The good news is Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai trained. The bad news is Hudson Young (groin), Payne Haas (back) and Brian To’o (knee) didn’t.

NSW engaged in an opposed session in Wentworth Falls on Thursday with Young standing on the sidelines with Haas and To’o stretching lightly by themselves away from the main group.

Cleary (groin) and Luai (infection) trained well although the media was asked to leave training after 15 minutes.

It was the first time the pair have trained in camp.

Young ran out with the side but quickly moved to the sidelines.

The Blues are still highly confident all five players will play in Wednesday’s State of Origin decider at a sold-out Accor Stadium.

“Nathan and Jarome did close to everything at training,” said Blues prop Max King. “There might have been a couple of ‘reps’ Nathan might have been pulled out of but he did all the drills.

Payne Haas and Brian To'o at Blues training.

“Jarome wore a pink bib (meaning restricted contact) but he also did everything and was there for the whole (session).

“Payne trained for only half a session before game one but he is a world class player. Brian had a hamstring (injury) before game two and he was our man-of-the-match.

“They are quality players who you can’t leave out of the side. It’s about being at their best on Wednesday night so if they’re on ice for a few days, so be it.”

Brian To’o (C) and Payne Haas (R) trained away from the main group. Picture: Rohan Kelly

NSW utility Connor Watson was also impressed with Cleary and Luai at training.

“Nathan and Jarome looked really good, really sharp. It’s exciting. They both impress me with the way they approach games and training, the professionalism that they bring,” Watson said.”

Haas is expected to train on Saturday.

“I had a bit of swelling down my lower back and I got a minor disc bulge. It’s not too bad. I am learning about my body and how to get it right for big games,” Haas said.

Nathan Cleary and Jerome Luai (R) warm up ahead of the training session. Picture: Rohan Kelly

NSW had an opposed session with Ron Massey Cup side, St Marys.

Former NRL star and ex-NSW squad member Bryce Cartwright was part of the Saints team.

Leura was freezing on Thursday morning but the weather cleared for NSW, who got stuck into their work at training.

The Blues have a hungry, steely focus.

NSW have a day off on Friday but will resume their preparations on Saturday morning.

WEDNESDAY TRAINING INTEL

Injured NSW stars Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai completed some light drills away from the Blues squad, who trained in Leura on Wednesday for the first time ahead of State or Origin III.

While the remaining squad went through their wrestling routines at Blue Mountains Grammar School, Cleary (groin) and Luai (infection) flung the ball around and simulated some play-the-ball moves between each other.

To’o and Cleary had their injuries taped up.

There isn’t any major alarm inside the NSW camp given all injured players were expected to be given reduced workloads to start camp.

The NSW coaching staff would be anticipating that all players be training by the weekend.

Luai has a wound on his chest due to an infection while Cleary continues to battle a groin issue, which will likely prevent him from goalkicking in Origin III.

Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary training away from the group.

To’o is probably causing the most concern inside NSW camp although he is expected to play.

The media was kicked out of training after 15 minutes although the overall session was short.

Haas has been troubled by a back injury and stayed in Brisbane after the weekend to receive further treatment.

The Broncos powerhouse denied he would require post-season surgery but did declare: “I had a needle on Monday – the back is all good. This is my second needle. The Broncos are trying to manage it.

“I’m resting up now but will do some running on Thursday.

“I had a bit of swelling down my lower back and I got a minor disc bulge. It’s not too bad. I am learning about my body and how to get it right for big games.”

NSW backrower Liam Martin added: “That first session is really about preparing us for (Thursday’s training). We will get a solid session in then. All the boys are different in their contact level.”

Blues’ extra players – Jacob Kiraz, Bradman Best and Lindsay Smith – all trained.

Additional training players Isaiya Katoa, Teig Wilton, Brian Kelly and Jack Williams also took part in the session.

It was the Blues’ first full training session to kickstart preparation for Wednesday night’s game at Accor Stadium.

Training on Thursday will be an opposed session. Despite the state’s heavy rain, NSW trained in dry but freezing conditions in Leura.

The Blues ran onto the training field through a player tunnel formed by excited kids from the Katoomba Devils.

While low-key, a couple of hundred NSW supporters turned up to watch training as part of a Blues fan day.

The Blues will train at Blue Mountains Grammar School again on Thursday morning.

Originally published as NSW Blues training intel: Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai train with main squad; Haas, To’o, Young sidelined