NSW Blues Coach Faces Double Origin Blow
NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley is facing a tough decision ahead of the State of Origin selection after key players from the Sydney Roosters suffered significant injuries in a recent match. The Roosters’ winger, Mark Nawaqanitawase, is unlikely to be available for selection due to a serious ankle injury that could require surgery. This setback adds to the challenges the coach faces as he prepares for the upcoming series.
The game against the Brisbane Broncos was intense and saw the Roosters take an early lead, scoring 30 points within the first 40 minutes at Allianz Stadium. Despite the Broncos mounting a comeback in the final 25 minutes, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit. Kotoni Staggs was sent to the sin bin after a reckless elbow in the ruck, which significantly impacted the Broncos’ chances of making a successful comeback.
Injuries Take a Toll on Both Teams
The game was played at a high intensity, resulting in several players being unable to finish due to injuries. For the NSW Blues, this has been a major concern, especially with two key players limping off the field during the match. The biggest worry was Australian winger Nawaqanitawase, who had his ankle caught in a tackle early in the game. He tried to continue but eventually had to leave the field.
Nawaqanitawase appears to have suffered a syndesmosis rupture, which could require surgery and rule him out for up to eight weeks. This injury threatens to end his chances of playing in the State of Origin before he makes the switch back to rugby union.
In addition to Nawaqanitawase, second-rower Angus Crichton also left the field with 15 minutes remaining due to a knee injury. Although the injury isn’t as severe as his teammate’s, it still leaves questions about his availability for the selection. Lindsay Collins also left the field after a head knock and will miss the next week’s game against the Titans.
Broncos Suffer Heavy Injuries
The situation for the Brisbane Broncos is even more concerning, as their injury toll continues to grow. Coach Michael Maguire is struggling with depth issues, with several key players missing from the lineup. Adam Reynolds was concussed after hitting his head on the ground towards the end of the game and will miss the clash against Manly next week.
Josiah Karapani limped off with an ankle injury after a tackle from Victor Radley, while Deine Mariner also failed to finish the game due to a corked thigh. The Broncos had 10 players missing heading into the Roosters game, despite welcoming back Reece Walsh and Patrick Carrigan. However, they are expected to be without two more players next week, with Mariner also in doubt.
Roosters Coach Praises Team Performance
Despite the injuries and the physical nature of the match, Roosters coach Trent Robinson was pleased with his team’s performance. The Roosters made a strong statement of the season by attacking the Broncos’ left edge multiple times.
“We’re very clear on how we want to attack, probably as clear as we’ve been in a couple of years,” Robinson said after the game. “It’s the clarity and simplicity and then we’re just working on the combinations as we go.”
