Ramit
13-06-2006, 06:39 PM
Bowen added to Maroons squad
NORTH Queensland fullback Matt Bowen has joined the Queensland State of Origin team as the 18th man.
A surprise face at the Maroons final Origin training run today, Bowen ran with the team behind locked gates at Suncorp Stadium.
Maroons officials were however quick to play down any late injury dramas saying Bowen had simply been brought into camp today as extra cover.
"He'll stay with the team and warm up tomorrow and then warm the bench," said Queensland media manager Ben Ikin.
"Everyone is fine. Matt has come in as our 18th man."
Bowen is an interesting choice for the emergency player, probably because centre Justin Hodges has been under constant treatment for a suspect hamstring. Coach Mal Meninga however dismissed any concerns of a gamble playing Hodges three weeks after suffering a 4cm tear in his hamstring in the 17-16 Origin loss in Sydney last month.
"Justin was ready to play on Friday. He's fine," said Meninga.
AAP
NORTH Queensland fullback Matt Bowen has joined the Queensland State of Origin team as the 18th man.
A surprise face at the Maroons final Origin training run today, Bowen ran with the team behind locked gates at Suncorp Stadium.
Maroons officials were however quick to play down any late injury dramas saying Bowen had simply been brought into camp today as extra cover.
"He'll stay with the team and warm up tomorrow and then warm the bench," said Queensland media manager Ben Ikin.
"Everyone is fine. Matt has come in as our 18th man."
Bowen is an interesting choice for the emergency player, probably because centre Justin Hodges has been under constant treatment for a suspect hamstring. Coach Mal Meninga however dismissed any concerns of a gamble playing Hodges three weeks after suffering a 4cm tear in his hamstring in the 17-16 Origin loss in Sydney last month.
"Justin was ready to play on Friday. He's fine," said Meninga.
AAP