Mark Nawaqanitawase is set to make his Origin debut in game two at the MCG next week after NSW centre Casey McLean was ruled out after suffering an injury at training on Saturday morning.
McLean warmed up with the team in Gosford on Saturday morning before going down with a quadriceps strain about 15 minutes into the session.
Physios and trainers worked with McLean on the field as the rest of the squad trained, but the 20-year-old was officially ruled out an hour later.
The loss of McLean is a huge blow for NSW, after the Penrith centre played an important role in the Bluesโ second-half comeback in game one after coming on as a replacement for a concussed Tolu Koula.
McLean was also recovering from an ankle injury suffered in the Panthersโ win over the Tigers on June 7, but was tracking and training well.
NSW manager Frank Ponissi said medicos thought McLeanโs injury would sideline him for seven to 10 days.
โUnfortunately, Casey McLean has been ruled out of State of Origin game two. This morning during training early in the session, he strained a thigh to his right leg, which is the opposite side to his ankle,โ Ponissi said.
โOur medical staff believes the ankle was fine, but obviously, he needed to train this morning to get through, so this has come totally as a shock and unexpected. Heโs obviously very disappointed … Our medical staff believe itโs a seven-10 day injury in terms of return to play, which obviously rules him out of Wednesday nightโs game at the MCG.โ
Nawaqanitawase now has his opportunity to make his impact in the Origin arena, with the former Wallaby set to be named as McLeanโs official replacement.
The 25-year-old has played on the wing in every game heโs started for the Roosters this year and has limited experience at centre.
NSW are due to travel to Melbourne on Saturday afternoon ahead of game two of the series on Wednesday night.
More to come
Billie Eder is a sports reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.
