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Frizell says he's a certain Origin starter

3 minute read

Tyson Frizell has declared himself a certain starter for NSW in next week's State of Origin opener despite not yet being cleared for contact training.

TYSON FRIZELL of Australia makes a run during the International Test match between Tonga and Australia at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.
TYSON FRIZELL of Australia makes a run during the International Test match between Tonga and Australia at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. Picture: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images

Tyson Frizell has declared himself unperturbed by his interrupted build-up for the State of Origin series opener, saying he's confident of being able to do his job on the Blues' left edge.

After spending the first four days of team camp running on his own and being limited to fitness drills, the St. George Illawarra back-rower took part in a Blues field session for the first time at Kippax Lake Oval on Friday.

However he wore a non-contact bib as he continues to recover from a sickening head knock suffered in the Dragon's NRL loss to Cronulla on Sunday.

Under NRL concussion protocols, players who suffer head knocks are not allowed to take part in contact training for the first five days.

The Blues broke camp on Friday afternoon and will reconvene at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence on Sunday for what will be Frizell's first chance to have a full session with his Blues teammates.

It gives Frizell limited time to gel with those around him, which is especially important considering Brad Fittler's side are sporting an all-new right edge combination in Josh Morris and Nick Cotric.

"It's not ideal. You'd love to be in amongst it," Frizell said.

"There's a couple of new faces. I'm not unfamiliar with the way we're playing and my role in the team. I'm lucky in that department and not many things have changed."

Frizell declared himself a certain starter at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday night however Ryan Matterson has been brought into camp as 18th man and shapes as his replacement should he fall short.

Frizell was laid out and stayed down for several moments after clashing heads with the Sharks's Josh Dugan.

He spoke to Fittler in the sheds after the match however later said he couldn't recall the conversation.

NSW took a cautious approach with Sydney Roosters half Luke Keary, ruling him out of selection contention after he was concussed against Newcastle last week.

However Keary's case is different considering it was his second serious head knock of the season.

"I'm confident I'll be fine," Frizell said.

"It was probably a good thing for me to chill out and peak at the right end. It's great to get to work now."

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