By Michael Chammas and Christian Nicolussi
The NSW Blues could be dealt a major blow with inspirational back-rower Liam Martin racing the clock to overcome a ligament injury in his foot to play in game two of the State of Origin series.
But in some good news for the Blues, Martin’s Penrith teammate Dylan Edwards has been rated a “50/50” chance to return from a quad injury and play next Sunday against the Knights, which will double as his final audition before Origin teams are picked.
Liam Martin smashes Reuben Cotter.Credit: Getty
Martin, now in a moon boot, will miss Penrith’s clash with Manly on Sunday as he recovers from the foot injury he suffered in the first half at Accor Stadium on Wednesday.
The Blues’ medical staff gave Martin a pain-killing injection at half-time to help him get through the match, but his foot swelled up after the game.
Sources with knowledge of the injury not authorised to speak publicly confirmed Martin had strained the flexor tendon in his big toe, and there was a lot of internal bleeding and swelling.
Martin told Penrith officials he did it just before half-time when he changed direction, but his boot got trapped in the turf.
“His step was so forceful, his toe got caught backwards – ‘Marto’ was telling everyone at the club he was too powerful for his own good,” the source, talking on the condition of anonymity, said.
The same sources rated Martin a “50/50” chance to play against Newcastle.
A player of Martin’s standing is unlikely to be required to play to earn selection in Michael Maguire’s squad.
The Panthers back-rower was one of the Blues’ best in a disappointing outing in the opening game of the series on Wednesday. He also required five stitches for a cut beneath his chin.
Edwards is a “50/50” chance to return from a quad injury, said the Penrith sources, after surviving his second run in three days on Friday.
It was originally expected Edwards would be out for up to three weeks, with any early return putting him at risk of re-injuring the quad.
The fullback was set to make his NSW debut at fullback before suffering the muscle strain on Saturday as he completed an extras’ session.
Edwards, who was replaced in Origin I by James Tedesco, told this masthead in the sheds late Wednesday about his expected return:
“We’ll see how I go and how I react to running and rehabbing. I had a light trot on Wednesday.
“Initially, it [the injury] was very upsetting. To be so close and then to have it taken away from you … once you get your head around it, you try to be a good teammate, and do what you can to help the boys prepare. I was fortunate enough to stay in camp.”
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