Storm prop Christian Welch says he’ll be ready to play for Queensland next month, if he’s picked

Injuries and suspensions have thrown Queensland’s State of Origin plans into chaos, but one Melbourne Storm warrior says he’ll be ready.

Christian Welch (centre) is hoping to be picked for the State of Origin opener. Picture: Scott Davis QRL

Storm prop Christian Welch insists he is on track to be fit to play in Origin 1 for the Maroons and expects hooker Harry Grant to join him in the Queensland squad that will be named on Monday.

Welch sat out Melbourne’s 40-12 win over Brisbane with a knee injury, while Maroons and club teammates Grant (hamstring) and Cameron Munster (foot) were both unavailable for a third consecutive week.

Munster is the most doubtful for the State of Origin series opener, with a nagging Lisfranc injury hampering his return.

Welch said he had ilotibial band syndrome in his knee, a complaint that can impact players who have had a history of serious knee injuries like the 26-year-old has.

“There is nothing structurally wrong and I should be good if picked,” Welch said when asked of his Maroons chances.

“I got a knock about a month ago on my knee and have been carrying it for a bit. A five-day turnaround was just pushing it with my history and I just wanted to be on the safe side.”

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The man known as “White Rhino” for his fearless charges and no-nonsense approach was enormous for the Maroons in the 2-1 series win last year and played in the two games won by Queensland.

Grant came off the bench in the 20-14 win in the decider in Brisbane and scored a crucial try in an electric display of speed, guile and strength.

Grant got through Melbourne’s captain run at the Storm’s Twin Waters resort on Wednesday and did extras to boot. He backed that up on Thursday and Welch said he was on track to be available for Queensland.

“He ran well today. I ran with him in rehab and I think he is a really good chance of playing,” Welch said.

“I think that if both of us are in the squad, we will be good to go.”

Munster will likely be named by the Maroons and Welch said the matchwinning No. 6 was taking a cautious approach to his return.

“He has been doing some running. It is a really difficult injury that one on the foot and can turn pretty bad, so he is being ultra-safe with it,” Welch said.

“I think he is still a chance.”

Christian Welch is certain he’ll be fit for Origin. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Munster’s partner in good times Brandon Smith was in a jovial mood when asked whether Munster would line up for the Maroons on Wednesday week.

“Hopefully, Munster is back. He likes to be a drama queen,” Smith grinned.

“He told me he was out for the season a couple of weeks ago. He said ‘mate, I’ve got to get surgery and I’m out for the season’. I said ‘nah, you’ve had too much to drink’.

“I don’t know if he is playing or not.”

Storm backrower Felise Kaufusi is set to miss Origin I after being hit with a tripping charge against the Broncos, and Raiders prop Josh Papalii is unavailable for Queensland due to suspension.

Welch said he was ready to fill the void left by Papalii “in my own way” and hungry to back up last year’s fairytale against-all-odds triumph.

“It is a real privilege to be part of those Queensland camps and to play in the Maroons jersey,” he said.

“It is going to be a new taste this year with (coach) Paul Green and Johnathan Thurston and a few other assistants.

“It will be fascinating to be a part of if I get picked.”