Queensland have the flu, New South Wales have injuries to key players.
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Origin traditions are a strange beast.
The word out of Coffs Harbour is that Rabbitohs half Adam Reynolds didn’t train Wednesday due to a neck injury.
Adam Reynolds in doubt for @NSWRL with a neck problem. Sat out training this morning and could be ruled out today. Stay tuned
— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 6, 2016
In his place, flavour of the month Jake Bird trained.
Reynolds injured his shoulder in Origin game II and struggled with nagging shoulder complaints during Souths’ drubbing at the hands of North Queensland on the weekend.
Bird and Sharks teammate James Maloney have form playing together; they partnered each other in the halves for Country Origin earlier this year with Maloney in his customary number six jersey and Bird at halfback.
Adam Reynolds has been ruled out of the @NSWRL side with a neck problem. Decision on replacement in next couple of hours
— Brent Read (@brentread_7) July 6, 2016
With Reynolds ruled out, and if Laurie Daley continues with his youth policy, Origin smokey Chad Townsend could get the call – thanks to his established combination with Maloney at Cronulla.
Matt Moylan, long thought to be a five-eighth in waiting, could also be recalled to the squad as either the five-eighth or to take Bird’s utility spot on the bench.
Blake Austin continues to wait in Canberra, while a certain half who partnered Maloney to three consecutive minor premierships had an impressive game over the weekend.
If you’re only as good as your last game, we’ve just started Pearce Watch.
Again.
