Granty
22-05-2006, 01:03 AM
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/story/0,20797,19211764-5003409,00.html
Blues sweat on Buderus
Dean Ritchie
May 22, 2006
THE injury-depleted NSW Blues could be hit with more State of Origin disruption today as fears grow that skipper Danny Buderus could be ruled out of Wednesday night's series opener in Sydney.
The champion Test hooker limped off Coogee Oval midway through the Blues' training session yesterday after having back spasms.
Team physiotherapist Liz Steet and trainer Paul McGregor rushed Buderus back to the nearby team hotel for immediate treatment and anxious NSW coach Graham Murray later admitted there were concerns over the Newcastle star playing.
NSW is already without injured Test pair Anthony Minichiello and Matt Cooper, as well as St George Illawarra representative props Luke Bailey and Jason Ryles.
In addition, Andrew Johns, Ben Kennedy and Trent Barrett have retired from representative football.
Penrith's Luke Priddis has been placed on standby for Buderus but he, too, has been carrying injuries.
NSW doctor John Orchard has asked team management to give Buderus until today to prove his fitness.
"There is some concern over Danny," Murray said. "He is a bit sore in the lower back with some muscle twinges.
"The medical staff will monitor him for the rest of the day.
"He's a professional and would be disappointed to leave the field early but State of Origin wouldn't be what it is without some sort of drama.
"If the medical staff ask me to go light on him, I will. The doctor's fairly confident but at the same stage there's got to be some doubt there. We'll see how he wakes up in the morning.
"We don't train until 2pm so there's a bit of time."
Penrith halfback Craig Gower – his rugby league career in tatters just six months ago – could be named NSW captain if Buderus is forced out.
Priddis would go into the starting side at hooker with Craig Wing remaining on the bench because of his strong club combination with Gower.
Gower was sacked as Penrith captain earlier this year after misbehaving at a charity golf event on the Sunshine Coast in the off-season but he has impressed Murray through the week with his leadership qualities.
Panthers teammate Luke Lewis returned to the Blues squad yesterday as 18th man.
Priddis had a brilliant game for Penrith against Parramatta on Friday night, scoring two tries and being involved in three others.
Apart from the Buderus drama, NSW trained strongly yesterday morning with centre Mark Gasnier (hip) running freely.
"It was our best training run of the camp – we always planned to start thing slowly early and then build up," Murray said.
The NSW camp is expecting Queensland to make a couple of late unannounced positional changes.
The Blues are hearing Manly's Steve Bell will play in the centres with Brent Tate switching to the wing, and there is speculation North Queensland enforcer Carl Webb may start the match.
Murray would not comment on talk that Mark O'Meley may start for NSW with Brent Kite reverting to the bench.
Blues sweat on Buderus
Dean Ritchie
May 22, 2006
THE injury-depleted NSW Blues could be hit with more State of Origin disruption today as fears grow that skipper Danny Buderus could be ruled out of Wednesday night's series opener in Sydney.
The champion Test hooker limped off Coogee Oval midway through the Blues' training session yesterday after having back spasms.
Team physiotherapist Liz Steet and trainer Paul McGregor rushed Buderus back to the nearby team hotel for immediate treatment and anxious NSW coach Graham Murray later admitted there were concerns over the Newcastle star playing.
NSW is already without injured Test pair Anthony Minichiello and Matt Cooper, as well as St George Illawarra representative props Luke Bailey and Jason Ryles.
In addition, Andrew Johns, Ben Kennedy and Trent Barrett have retired from representative football.
Penrith's Luke Priddis has been placed on standby for Buderus but he, too, has been carrying injuries.
NSW doctor John Orchard has asked team management to give Buderus until today to prove his fitness.
"There is some concern over Danny," Murray said. "He is a bit sore in the lower back with some muscle twinges.
"The medical staff will monitor him for the rest of the day.
"He's a professional and would be disappointed to leave the field early but State of Origin wouldn't be what it is without some sort of drama.
"If the medical staff ask me to go light on him, I will. The doctor's fairly confident but at the same stage there's got to be some doubt there. We'll see how he wakes up in the morning.
"We don't train until 2pm so there's a bit of time."
Penrith halfback Craig Gower – his rugby league career in tatters just six months ago – could be named NSW captain if Buderus is forced out.
Priddis would go into the starting side at hooker with Craig Wing remaining on the bench because of his strong club combination with Gower.
Gower was sacked as Penrith captain earlier this year after misbehaving at a charity golf event on the Sunshine Coast in the off-season but he has impressed Murray through the week with his leadership qualities.
Panthers teammate Luke Lewis returned to the Blues squad yesterday as 18th man.
Priddis had a brilliant game for Penrith against Parramatta on Friday night, scoring two tries and being involved in three others.
Apart from the Buderus drama, NSW trained strongly yesterday morning with centre Mark Gasnier (hip) running freely.
"It was our best training run of the camp – we always planned to start thing slowly early and then build up," Murray said.
The NSW camp is expecting Queensland to make a couple of late unannounced positional changes.
The Blues are hearing Manly's Steve Bell will play in the centres with Brent Tate switching to the wing, and there is speculation North Queensland enforcer Carl Webb may start the match.
Murray would not comment on talk that Mark O'Meley may start for NSW with Brent Kite reverting to the bench.