Origin 2021: Blues under investigation after Cam Murray allowed to return to field in opener

With incidents involving Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend fresh in the mind, the NRL will review an incident involving Cam Murray from Origin I to assess whether HIA protocols were breached.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 09: Cameron Murray of the Blues is attended to by a trainer during game one of the 2021 State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on June 09, 2021 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

The NRL has launched an investigation into the NSW Origin team after star forward Cam Murray returned to the field following a potential head knock in Wednesday night’s demolition of Queensland in Townsville.

Murray was left reeling following a hit from Maroons winger Kyle Feldt in the 49th minute of the 50-6 mauling at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Feldt was placed on report and later charged with dangerous contact of the head-neck. He was handed a $1600 fine but escaped suspension.

Stream selected Fox League shows on Kayo Freebies completely free this June including NRL 360, Sunday Night with Matty Johns, Big League Wrap & more. No Credit Card. No Brainer. Register Free Now >

Cam Murray was clocked by Kyle Feldt on Wednesday night.

Murray left the field after the Blues received a free interchange due to Feldt being placed on report and later returned to the game.

However that could not be the end of the matter, with the incident to be further scrutinised by NRL officials.

The NRL confirmed on Thursday morning that it was reviewing the incident to assess whether any head injury assessment (HIA) protocols had been breached.

The Blues came under fire following game one of last year’s series after captain Boyd Cordner returned to the field despite showing visible signs of a head injury.

The Cordner incident sparked anger in Camp Maroon, with Queensland staff stunned the Blues skipper was allowed back on to the field at the Adelaide Oval.

Cordner was later ruled out of the remainder of the series and has not played a game since, spending more than six months on the sidelines as the Roosters carefully manage his concussion problems.

The NRL is investigating whether Cam Murray should have been allowed back on the field.

The Queensland team then came under fire from NSW following an incident in game two where hooker Jake Friend stayed down after a tackle but did not leave the field for a HIA.

Maroons coach Wayne Bennett launched a passionate defence of Queensland’s medical staff at the time and claimed Friend was carrying a shoulder-neck injury that flared up.

The Murray incident has ignited tensions between the states on the back of NSW recording its biggest win in State of Origin history.

The series will move to Suncorp Stadium on June 27 in what will be a must-win game for Queensland.

Christian Welch had to watch most of the game from the bench.

The Maroons could be without prop Christian Welch after he sustained a concussion in the 13th minute of game one and did not return to the field.

Welch showed visible signs of a head injury and was immediately ruled out of the remainder of the match.

Welch also missed game two last year following a head knock and he is expected to be managed conservatively due to his concussion history.

Originally published as Origin 2021: Blues under investigation after Cam Murray allowed to return to field in opener