Tom Flegler may be set to join Tino Fa'asuamaleaui on the sidelines long-term as the Dolphins enforcer continues to struggle with a shoulder injury that he sustained in Round 5.
The prop sustained nerve damage in his left shoulder during his side’s clash with the Wests Tigers and could now not only miss the upcoming State of Origin series but the entire season as well.
"We don't know with Flegler - he may not play again this season," Wayne Bennett told AAP ahead of his side’s Magic Round match against the Tigers.
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Will Tom Flegler play State of Origin? Queensland Maroons prop continues to struggle with shoulder injury
The initial prognosis was the 24-year-old had suffered a burner, yet his scheduled return date continued to blow out until he was ruled out indefinitely last month.
Bennett has now revealed the situation is a lot more serious than first thought with Flegler still facing an extended period of time on the sidelines as he bids to return.
The forward has missed out on the opening Origin game on June 5 with Reuben Cotter and Lindsay Collins named to start in Sydney, while Moeaki Fotuaika will provide punch off the bench.
MORE: State of Origin confirmed team lists - NSW and QLD lineups for Game 1
The Maroons are already struggling up front with Gold Coast's skipper Tino ruled out for the year after rupturing his ACL and Tom Gilbert suffering the same injury in the trials.
The loss of Flegler for the series would be another hammer blow to Queensland’s hopes of claiming their third consecutive series win.
"It is a long way from where he is fit enough to play," Bennett revealed weeks before Game 1.
"The injury is very serious. He has had the injury, and we all know what the consequences are."
Who has been picked as Queensland’s forwards in State of Origin?
With Flegler, Fa'asuamaleaui and Gilbert all missing the opener in Sydney, the Maroons’ pack will have a vastly different look to it compared to last year.
Collins and Cotter have been named as the two starting props in Game I, with Patrick Carrigan, David Jaydn Su'A and Jeremiah Nanai set to be in the backrow.
Fotuaika featured as an interchange forward in the second and third games last year and keeps his spot on the pine, where he will be joined by debutant J’maine Hopgood.
