Will Cameron Murray play State of Origin? Diagnosis, injury updates after Rabbitohs lock returns from hip flexor issue

Mark Molyneux

Will Cameron Murray play State of Origin? Diagnosis, injury updates after Rabbitohs lock returns from hip flexor issue image

New South Wales will be desperate to keep the State of Origin series alive when they head to Melbourne in Game II.

The Blues fell to a heavy 38-10 defeat on home soil against Queensland with a number of stars sidelined through injury.

This led to Michael Maguire making five changes for the clash at the MCG.

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Will Cameron Murray play for NSW in Origin Game 2? 

Yes, Cameron Murray has been selected in the 17 for the Blues for their must-win State of Origin match in Melbourne.

He has been given the No. 13 jersey and is set to start at lock.

Murray had been sidelined since the beginning of May after the Souths skipper sustained a hip flexor injury during his side’s loss to Penrith in Round 9.

The forward managed to play the entire game despite struggling with the issue before being ruled out for up to two months after scans revealed the damage.

Murray has been a mainstay in the NSW set-up for years and is viewed by many as a possible future captain for his state.

However, his leadership qualities have been questioned this year due to South Sydney's horror campaign which saw Jason Demetriou sacked as they slipped to last place on the ladder.

The lock featured for 80 minutes in only two of his eight NRL appearances to date this year with Demetriou starting to reduce his minutes before his departure.

The 26-year-old hasn’t been at his best amidst his club’s struggles, yet his strong return from injury has seen him selected by Maguire. 

MORE: Will Michael Maguire return to coach in the NRL? NSW mentor ruled out of Parramatta running

Named on the bench by Ben Horbny for the Rabbitohs' clash against the Broncos, Murray made an immediate impact as he clocked 110 run metres and made 26 tackles in the shock victory. 

Murray played for 49 minutes in his return to action.

Teammate Latrell Mitchell also played a starring role in the 22-12 win over the Broncos, which saw him return to the Blues side. 

Mark Molyneux

Mark Molyneux Photo

Mark Molyneux is a freelance writer covering the NRL and UFC for Sporting News Australia. He has previously worked in the music industry and as a teacher around the world.