Payne Haas cleared, coach Laurie Daley explains NSW Blues team for State of Origin I

NSW coach Laurie Daley has dodged one big injury issue in his side, but there are a few hurdles left to clear before Game 1 next Wednesday. Watch as the coach addresses the key points from NSW’s Origin I squad.

In-form NSW centre Steve Crichton has allayed any concerns over a nagging groin problem but prop Payne Haas remains in the danger zone as the Blues prepare to carry him through the opening week of camp in a bid to have him play in the State of Origin opener.

Haas was a notable absentee at the Blues’ media session on Monday morning.

He had stayed in Brisbane to have scans on a quadriceps strain he suffered during the Broncos’ loss to St George Illawarra at the weekend.

The scans revealed a minor strain and there is an air of confidence that Haas will be able to take his place in the Blues squad at Suncorp Stadium.

It is understood he will given until Monday to prove his ­fitness. The Blues have Melbourne prop Stefano Utoikamanu in camp as part of the extended squad and he will likely come into the side if Haas succumbs to injury.

NSW and Broncos star Payne Haas with ice on his quad post-game. Picture: Fox League

Stephen Crichton allayed concerns over his groin injury. Picture: Thomas Lisson

As good as Utoikamanu has been playing for the Storm, Haas’s absence would be a shattering blow for the Blues given he is regarded as the No.1 prop in the game.

He has been a shining light for the Broncos this season ­despite the club’s inconsistent form and there is little argument that the Blues are a ­better side when he is fit and available.

The issue for coach Laurie Daley is that he may be forced to endure an anxious wait this week to find out whether Haas can play.

The NSW Rugby League confirmed the Broncos prop had been cleared to join the 20-player squad on Monday but he is not out of the woods yet.

“Scans this morning have ­revealed a minor quadriceps strain,” the NSWRL statement said.

“His load will be monitored during training but he is expected to play next week.”

There are no such concerns over Crichton, who looked in fine fettle when he lobbed in camp for the series opener and immediately said he would be ready to play at Suncorp ­Stadium.

That’s good news for the Blues and a concern for Queensland because Crichton has arguably been the form centre in the premiership this season.

“It is going good, hey, it is all right,” Crichton said. “Pulled up sweet from the game so I am ready to go for game one.”

Asked how he picked up the problem, Crichton said: “Just from kicking, a lot of it is just from kicking. The kicking overload. I went from not kicking at all to kicking a lot.

“It comes and goes sometimes but last week was probably the worst it has felt leading into the game. If I was worried I would have been scared to play last week.”

Crichton paid tribute to his teammates for helping him keep his Blues jersey.

“I feel like it is a credit to our team at the Dogs,” he said. “You don’t get to come into this team without playing good footy. I definitely wouldn’t be here without those boys.”

DALEY ADDRESSES PICKS

-Dean Ritchie

NSW coach Laurie Daley has revealed why he overlooked Manly star Tom Trbojevic for State of Origin I - and the controversial omission of in-form Wests Tigers prop Terrell May.

Daley opted for Latrell Mitchell and Stephen Crichton in the centres with Brian To’o and Zac Lomax as the wingers, leaving no room for Trbojevic.

Meanwhile, May was overlooked for debutant Max King - a decision which Daley said was purely down to the form of the respective forwards.

“I think the others are playing better than Terrell May – all the things I’m looking for as a player,” Daley said on Monday.

“Max King is playing outstanding. Terrell is playing great, but he just needs to keep knocking on the door.

“I’m sure his time will come at some stage. There’s a lot of players that were unlucky.

“Jarome’s another one that was unlucky, James Tedesco (too). That’s the great position we’re in… the fact there’s a number of players that could be considered in the squad that didn’t make it.”

NSW Blues Game 1 team.

On Trbojevic, Daley said the Manly superstar was omitted due to fitness concerns.

“Everyone agrees Tom, if he’s fit, is one of the best players in the game,” he added.

“That was a tough decision but we’re comfortable with everyone we’ve selected in the outside backs. Tom needs to go back and play some good football. I’ve no doubt Tom will be back in this arena at some point.

“I think he is struggling a little bit with the way that he’s running.

“To play State of Origin, you don’t want to be taking people in with any doubts.”

The halves were a major talking point heading into the team naming, with Parramatta’s Mitchell Moses given the nod to partner Nathan Cleary - with one of last year’s heroes, Jarome Luai, missing out.

Mitchell Moses was among the Blues’ best last year. Picture: NRL Photos

Daley said Moses’ superior kicking game was critical when it came to putting his team together, and said he had no concerns about which of his halves would control the left-side of the field.

“Another tough decision. I just feel like Mitch is in great form,” he said.

“He and Nathan can combine really well, kicking games in origin is so important and we have two of the best kickers in the game.

“You can have a poor set but you can get away with it if your kick is strong.

“He’s got a great running game, all the qualities he needs to to be great at six.

Some of Nathan’s best football is played on the left. The last 20 minutes of the grand final was played on the left, Magic round he drifted to the left a bit. Mitch can play both sides so it’ll be wait and see.”

Daley also offered a positive update on Stephen Crichton’s groin injury.

“We’ll have a couple of days with Steve,” Daley said.

“By all reports, he has been carrying the injury, so if it’s managed, then he should be all right.

“But until we get our medical people to have a look at him, we’re a bit unsure.”

Daley revealed Nathan Cleary will be NSW’s goal kicker.