3 minute read
Queensland winger Xavier Coates will be assessed for injury after falling heavily on his right shoulder at Origin training on Sunday.
Queensland winger Xavier Coates has sent a scare through camp just three days out from the State of Origin opener after landing awkwardly on his right shoulder at training on Sunday.
The 19-year-old went high to take a bomb during Sunday's session at Cbus Super Stadium but landed heavily on his shoulder and immediately left the field as a precaution.
The Maroons confirmed they will see how he is on Monday morning before deciding if he needs to be sent for scans.
Coates is set to make his Origin debut on the edge outside of Melbourne centre Brenko Lee, who was on the spot give his teammate support on Sunday.
"When he went down I sat down and talked to him for a little while," Lee said.
"I honestly didn't think it was bad.
"When it's bad they're screaming or they don't want no one around but he just said it felt a bit numb.
"I have full faith in the medical staff and Wayne that they'll make the right call.
"I'm sure he'll be right but, if not, anyone who comes in will do their best for the state."
Should Coates be ruled out of Wednesday's Origin opener in Adelaide it could force a backline reshuffle with depth already stretched.
Incumbents Kalyn Ponga, Moses Mbye and Michael Morgan are already unavailable through injury, leaving coach Wayne Bennett to select from reserves.
Newcastle duo Hymel Hunt and Edrick Lee are options for the wing, as is Gold Coast flyer Phillip Sami.
Sami was originally named on the wing but was expected to be cut 24 hours prior to the game with Kurt Capewell coming into right centre, pushing Dane Gagai out wide.
However, Sami could be the most logical option to replace Coates on the left if Monday's assessment uncovers an AC joint injury.
"We've got a luxury with a lot of good wingers there, Phillip, Hymel or Edrick," Lee said.
"They're all no slouches.
"They're here for a reason like anyone else. Whoever gets put in there will do a job."
