To’o, Haas cleared to play for NSW in Origin decider
NSW will go into State of Origin III unchanged after Brian To’o got through a crucial training session unscathed at Accor Stadium.
Brian To’o has been declared fit for the State of Origin decider, after NSW coach Laurie Daley confirmed he would play an unchanged team at Accor Stadium.
To’o got through a full training session with NSW teammates on Tuesday night, despite suffering a grade-two tear to the lateral ligament in his knee.
Payne Haas will also play for the Blues despite barely training in the lead-up because of a back issue that has plagued the Brisbane prop all season.
NSW used Monday evening as their last major training run before the Wednesday night showdown, with only a light walk-through at Accor Stadium on Tuesday.
“Brian trained all the (Monday) session … he did everything and looked in good spirits,” Daley said.
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“Payne did a little bit, but we always knew going into the game that Payne would be on restricted duties. He will be ready for the game.”
NSW have been something of a walking wounded for the past week, with Penrith players comparing the situation to their injury-hit 2021 premiership run.
Halfback Nathan Cleary has battled a groin issue since the eve of game two, and while the Blues say he will be fine to kick in general play, there will be no goal-kicking.
Second-rower Hudson Young has also battled a groin injury that sidelined him for part of last week’s training, but he too is fine to face Queensland.
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But it is the Haas situation that is perhaps the most remarkable.
The front-rower was the Blues’ best in the series-opening win at Suncorp Stadium after barely training in the lead-up due to a quad strain.
The back issue continued to be a problem before he was again solid in the game-two loss, and he would be favourite to be named man of the series if NSW win on Wednesday.
“Given what he has gone through in this series …. what he does is amazing,” Daley said.
“Because of what Payne has done in the past you are prepared to back him.
“It probably helps him more than hinders him. He plays big minutes as a front-rower, plays every game and battles on.
“So he probably needs a bit of a freshen up to be fair. He wanted to do more last night.
“But it’s not about having him right on a Monday night, it’s important to have him right on the Wednesday.”
