The busted Blues are taking inspiration from the wounded Penrith outfit that defied a mammoth injury toll to win their own decider in 2021.
Five NSW players either did not train or were on restricted duties in a disrupted session in the Blue Mountains on Wednesday.
Payne Haas (back), Hudson Young (groin) and Brian To’o (knee) watched the session at the Blue Mountains Grammar School at Wentworth Falls from the sidelines, while halves Nathan Cleary (groin) and Jarome Luai (infection) did not participate in the wrestling session.
Haas was needled to overcome a bulging disc in his back, an injury that resulted in him arriving late into camp.
Penrith star Liam Martin said the NSW injury dramas had “similar vibes” to the situation his club had to overcome to win the grand final four years ago. Nine of the Panthers who were part of the premiership side that beat the Rabbitohs are now involved with NSW.
Some key Blues couldn’t participate in the training session.Credit: Wolter Peeters
Fullback Dylan Edwards was in a moon boot in the lead up to the 2021 grand final, Nathan Cleary nursed an injured shoulder that required surgery afterwards, while James Fisher-Harris (knee) and Moses Leota (calf) were just some of the others who played through the pain.
Training was so disrupted that the son of then-assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo had to fill in on the wing for opposed sessions.
“In ’21, that was the most incredible thing, we still talk about it,” Martin said.
“What we managed to do that year was really special. For a solid month, two months out from the GF, we had bugger all boys to be able to train.
“We had Cam Ciraldo’s son and Jett Cleary filling in for us at training. It was crazy what we were able to do.
“This is similar vibes, just the toughness of the group. It’s pretty incredible to be a part of.”
Local junior team Katoomba Devils were invited to watch the Blues go through their paces, although the media was asked to leave after 15 minutes.
Jacob Kiraz, who is on standby for To’o as 18th man, was part of the field session, as were additional players Bradman Best, Brian Kelly, Lindsay Smith, Jack Williams, Isaiya Katoa and Teig Wilton.
Loading
Despite the number of injured players at the Blues, Martin had no doubt everyone named to play will line up against the Maroons.
“It is that common bond, we’ve been through that,” Martin said. “You know their toughness and that they will turn up and give their all. It’s good.”
Haas has struggled with injury throughout the series, but his performances to date have made him a favourite for the Wally Lewis medal. The Brisbane prop declared he was in no doubt for the game.
“It’s more mental, I don’t want to let down the boys, to be honest,” Haas said.
“Any team I play in, I don’t want to let them down and just do my best. It stems from when my dad used to train me when I was a kid, that’s probably where it comes from.
“It’s more the fact I don’t want to let down anyone.”
The Blues’ biggest concern is the fitness of To’o, although he has publicly declared he will be fit for the series decider. To’o was arguably the Blues’ best player in game two, despite being hampered by a hamstring strain.
NSW and Queensland have both scheduled a training session at Accor Stadium on Monday to get them acclimatised to the venue and playing surface ahead of kick-off.
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now
Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.
