J’maine Hopgood made his State of Origin debut earlier this month when he featured off the bench for Queensland during their emphatic 38-10 victory over New South Wales.
The forward has been on Billy Slater’s radar for some time since starring for Penrith’s reserves and finally received the call after some impressive form for Parramatta in the past two seasons.
Hopgood was his usual all-action self off the interchange bench as he clocked 43 run metres with three tackle busts and two offloads to go with 16 tackles.
However, the 25-year-old struggled to back-up for the Eels last week against Canterbury as he struggled with a back injury.
Trent Barrett initially named Hopgood to play in Round 15, but he was later ruled out with the issue which has put his place in Slater’s side in doubt for Game II at the MCG on June 26.
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Will J’maine Hopgood play for Queensland in State of Origin Game 2?
The Maroons will unveil their side for the second instalment of the series on Monday morning after the conclusion of this week’s NRL action.
Slater is likely to want to name an unchanged side after such a comprehensive victory in enemy territory.
Although injury issues have started to hit for the Maroons, with Reece Walsh having not played since he was knocked out by Joseph Suaalii in Game I.
MORE: Who will replace Joseph Suaalii for the Blues?
Hopgood’s injury now also adds another cloud of uncertainty around the make-up of the side.
Following the loss to the Dogs, Barrett admitted Hopgood shouldn’t have played after struggling to overcome a nerve issue in his back during his 24 minutes on the field.
And this issue subsequently sidelined him for his side’s clash against the Sydney Roosters, leaving his participation in Game II up in the air.
Who will replace J’maine Hopgood for the Maroons if he is ruled out?
Slater showed his hand in the opening game when he included Felise Kaufusi and Brendan Piakura in his extended squad.
The two forwards are clearly next in line for a spot in the pack, with David Fifita snubbed after featuring in all three matches for his state last year.
And the Gold Coast star is set to be out of the picture once again after he missed NRL action in Round 15 due to an ankle injury.
So, Kaufusi – who played for the Maroons in Game I after being activated as 18th man – stands as the most viable replacement if Hopgood is ruled out.
However, Piakura shouldn't be discounted of earning his debut after Slater has shown a willingness in the past to blood youngsters in his side during their two successive series victories.
