Collingwood Fans Demand Nick Daicos Withdraw from State of Origin
Collingwood supporters are urging star player Nick Daicos to step back from the pre-season State of Origin game after he was spotted training with a leg strap. This comes as Port Adelaide’s Ivan Soldo faces a potential 2026 season without action, and Melbourne Demons’ Jack Viney is set for surgery on his Achilles, which could keep him out for up to three months.
Daicos drew attention a few weeks ago when he left training mid-session. Although he returned, concerns have been raised about his participation in the upcoming State of Origin match against Western Australia.
The Collingwood midfielder ended the 2025 season with two injuries. Following Collingwood’s finals exit, Daicos revealed he had been dealing with a PCL injury sustained just days before the preliminary finals loss to the Lions. He was also playing through bone stress in his right foot. After recovering with some rest, Daicos returned to pre-season training. However, he was seen on Monday training with strapping on his leg.
Fears were somewhat eased when Fox Sports reporter Drew Jones stated that the strapping was for a minor graze on his leg. Jones noted that Daicos has had a ‘flawless’ pre-season so far and is ready for the upcoming campaign. Despite this, fans continue to call for Daicos to withdraw from the Origin game. Daicos admitted ahead of the clash that he would be going in with a winning mentality.
This has raised concerns among Collingwood fans, who believe the Magpies need their star midfielder to have a chance at a premiership in 2026. However, Daicos is expected to play in the clash at Optus Stadium, where he will join a star-studded Victorian team in the first Origin game since 1999.
Ivan Soldo Faces Pre-Season Setbacks
Unfortunately for Port Adelaide, Ivan Soldo has suffered a major setback after rupturing his ACL in his right knee during training. This devastating blow means Soldo is unlikely to participate in the 2026 season. Since moving from the Tigers to Port in 2024, Soldo has struggled to secure regular game time. The 29-year-old has only played eight games since the move, and it appears he won’t feature in the upcoming season.
After winning the 2019 premiership with Richmond, Soldo ruptured the ACL in his left knee in 2020. He joined Port in 2024 but has mainly been overshadowed by ruckman Jordan Sweet. This saw him only feature once last year. Regardless, this is a significant blow for Soldo and Port’s depth heading into the season. 
Jack Viney Injury a Blow to Melbourne
Meanwhile, Melbourne star Jack Viney will miss at least three months of the season as he prepares for surgery on his Achilles. Channel 7 reporter Mitch Cleary confirmed the injury, which is a major setback for Melbourne, especially considering the losses they face at the start of the season.
Both Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver have left the club ahead of the 2026 season. The loss of Viney will further stretch Melbourne’s depth as they prepare for the upcoming campaign and look to improve on their 14th placed finish last season.
