New South Wales’ preparation for the opening State of Origin clash against Queensland has hit a major hurdle with Dylan Edwards ruled out of the game.
Edwards has reportedly suffered a quadriceps injury during a training run on Saturday which has forced Michael Maguire and the Blues squad to make a late change at fullback.
Edwards was set to make his Origin debut for NSW on Wednesday, but it is now former skipper James Tedesco that will don the number one jersey in Origin 1.
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Dylan Edwards injury update: Will Penrith fullback be available for New South Wales in State of Origin opener?
Dylan Edwards has officially been ruled out of State of Origin Game 1, after suffering a quad injury that will see him miss 1-2 weeks.
Edwards will be replaced by former captain James Tedesco, who has been called up on late notice to play Wednesday's opener.
The Penrith No.1 was rewarded for stellar run of form over the past few years which has seen him consistently star for the Panthers during their three premiership wins as well as the Clive Churchill Medal and caps for Australia.
However, in a bitter blow Edwards has been robbed of his maiden Blues jersey after reporting tightness in his quad to the medical staff during the side’s final training session in the Blue Mountains.
Edwards suffered the injury issue while doing extras after Saturday’s training session.
Edwards was sent for scans with the results on Sunday ruling him out of his Origin debut.
"It’s just precautionary," Maguire told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"We may have to make a decision tomorrow on whether ‘Dyl’ will play. The doctors and physios are talking about it, we have some very qualified people who know exactly where it is at."
Who could replace Dylan Edwards as NSW Blues fullback?
Despite initially dropping the axe on Tedesco in a major way, omitting him entirely from the Origin squad, Maguire has been forced to send an SOS to the Roosters star, bringing him in for the crucial first game.
The veteran, who has played 22 matches for NSW to date, was initially overlooked for the side although could be set to resume his duties at the back.
The Roosters face the North Queensland Cowboys in the final game of the shortened NRL round, with Tedesco not longer playing in the clash.
To help their cause, Nicho Hynes passed a final fitness test on his calf to be declared ready for Game I, which allowed the Blues to release Luke Keary from the camp to play for the Roosters in Round 13.
