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Fittler mulls as NSW centre options fall

3 minute read

NSW coach Brad Fittler admits his right centre options are dwindling ahead of the State of Origin opener after a spate of injuries.

Nathan Peats speaks to City coach BRAD FITTLER during a City NSW Origin training session at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, Australia.
Nathan Peats speaks to City coach BRAD FITTLER during a City NSW Origin training session at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Brad Fittler admits his NSW State of Origin right centre options are dwindling due to an unprecedented spate of injuries.

Melbourne's Curtis Scott became the latest victim ahead of next month's series opener after he suffered a suspected fractured foot in the 64-10 NRL rout of Parramatta.

It's been anything but a Magic Round for Blues coach Fittler, who saw another right centre option, Brisbane's Jack Bird, struck down with a season-ending knee injury barely 24 hours earlier.

Adding to Fittler's concern, NSW incumbent James Roberts has been dumped to reserve grade by the Broncos while Canberra's Joey Leilua was ruled out for the season with a neck injury last week.

Penrith's Waqa Blake also loomed as an option but he was axed by coach Ivan Cleary this weekend because he arrived late for training.

Fittler said he wasn't hitting the panic button but had some big decisions to make with just two NRL games left before the Origin opener in Brisbane on June 5.

Asked if he may be forced to pick a player out of position in his backline, Fittler told Nine Network: "I am not sure yet.

"We still have a couple of weeks to go. Hopefully we have got some outside backs coming back.

"There is an opportunity there for someone but they (options) are dwindling with Curtis Scott and Jack Bird out and some playing reserve grade too."

Newcastle's Jesse Ramien could receive a surprise Origin call-up thanks to the NSW right centre injury crisis.

Cronulla's Josh Morris has indicated that he would consider coming out of representative retirement to answer a Blues SOS.

Morris is in fine form after scoring two tries and having a hand in another in the Sharks' Magic Round win over Gold Coast Titans.

A changed Blues backline is certain with incumbent winger, Manly's Tom Trbojevic, already ruled out with a hamstring injury.

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