#CowboyDavid
06-06-2006, 01:10 PM
Karl deKroo
06jun06
ROOKIE Storm star Greg Inglis was sensationally ruled out of State-of-Origin II last night after scans revealed the teenage fullback has stress fractures in his back.
In a dramatic development that will seriously affect Queensland's chances of levelling the series on Wednesday week in Brisbane, Storm medical staff said Inglis, 19, would be sidelined for two to four weeks.
The news came hours after Inglis was named on the wing in a revamped Maroons line-up. Queensland has the right to have Inglis inspected by its team doctor, but is expected to accept Storm's diagnosis.
"Ultimately they have the final say, but we are recommending Greg needs to be rested for at least two weeks," Storm physiotherapist Mary Toomey said last night.
"The radiology report today has shown he has an acute lumbar stress fracture. It is something we have been aware of for some time and it is a problem a number of young athletes playing at an elite level face. We have been managing his load as best we can, but something happened in the game on the weekend and he has fractured them.
With Inglis out, livewire Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen may earn a reprieve, while Penrith fullback Rhys Wesser could also come into the reckoning.
Bowen and forwards David Stagg and Matthew Scott were axed yesterday.
Test fullback Karmichael Hunt was selected to make his Origin debut in place of Bowen, while Roosters utility Chris Flannery and Broncos hard man Tonie Carroll earned recalls in the wake of the 17-16 loss to the Blues in the series opener in Sydney.
Brisbane centre Justin Hodges retained his spot, despite missing the past two games for the Broncos with a hamstring injury. Both he and Carroll (knee cartilage) were chosen subject to fitness tests.
Storm lock Dallas Johnson retained his place, but admitted last night he feared he would miss out.
He had a mixed debut in Origin I, but a strong game for Storm against the Roosters at Olympic Park on Saturday night is believed to have earned Johnson a reprieve.
"I wasn't feeling real confident about my chances, so I'm just glad the selectors have shown some faith in me," Johnson said.
"I'm desperate to help us square the series. I think I know what to expect from Origin now, and I'm sure I'll be better for the experience."
NSW selectors made just one forced change, with St George Illawarra prop Luke Bailey called in to replace the injured Luke O'Donnell.
Bailey, who was ineligible for the opening match because of suspension, has been in devastating form since returning to the Dragons.
Bailey was named on the bench, with Steve Simpson coming into the starting side to replace O'Donnell (thumb).
The Blues' Origin I hero Brett Finch has retained the halfback's role.
Blues selector Bob McCarthy said the Blues had seen little need to make changes, saying the selection meeting "took a good five minutes". "After the way we won the last time, it's pretty hard to change anyone around. Brett did the job last time, so he'll look after us again," he said.
06jun06
ROOKIE Storm star Greg Inglis was sensationally ruled out of State-of-Origin II last night after scans revealed the teenage fullback has stress fractures in his back.
In a dramatic development that will seriously affect Queensland's chances of levelling the series on Wednesday week in Brisbane, Storm medical staff said Inglis, 19, would be sidelined for two to four weeks.
The news came hours after Inglis was named on the wing in a revamped Maroons line-up. Queensland has the right to have Inglis inspected by its team doctor, but is expected to accept Storm's diagnosis.
"Ultimately they have the final say, but we are recommending Greg needs to be rested for at least two weeks," Storm physiotherapist Mary Toomey said last night.
"The radiology report today has shown he has an acute lumbar stress fracture. It is something we have been aware of for some time and it is a problem a number of young athletes playing at an elite level face. We have been managing his load as best we can, but something happened in the game on the weekend and he has fractured them.
With Inglis out, livewire Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen may earn a reprieve, while Penrith fullback Rhys Wesser could also come into the reckoning.
Bowen and forwards David Stagg and Matthew Scott were axed yesterday.
Test fullback Karmichael Hunt was selected to make his Origin debut in place of Bowen, while Roosters utility Chris Flannery and Broncos hard man Tonie Carroll earned recalls in the wake of the 17-16 loss to the Blues in the series opener in Sydney.
Brisbane centre Justin Hodges retained his spot, despite missing the past two games for the Broncos with a hamstring injury. Both he and Carroll (knee cartilage) were chosen subject to fitness tests.
Storm lock Dallas Johnson retained his place, but admitted last night he feared he would miss out.
He had a mixed debut in Origin I, but a strong game for Storm against the Roosters at Olympic Park on Saturday night is believed to have earned Johnson a reprieve.
"I wasn't feeling real confident about my chances, so I'm just glad the selectors have shown some faith in me," Johnson said.
"I'm desperate to help us square the series. I think I know what to expect from Origin now, and I'm sure I'll be better for the experience."
NSW selectors made just one forced change, with St George Illawarra prop Luke Bailey called in to replace the injured Luke O'Donnell.
Bailey, who was ineligible for the opening match because of suspension, has been in devastating form since returning to the Dragons.
Bailey was named on the bench, with Steve Simpson coming into the starting side to replace O'Donnell (thumb).
The Blues' Origin I hero Brett Finch has retained the halfback's role.
Blues selector Bob McCarthy said the Blues had seen little need to make changes, saying the selection meeting "took a good five minutes". "After the way we won the last time, it's pretty hard to change anyone around. Brett did the job last time, so he'll look after us again," he said.