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Stars could back-up 48 hours after Origin

3 minute read

State of Origin players will be given every chance to make their return to club football in round 14 with all but two players named by their clubs.

Warriors interim head coach TODD PAYTEN.
Warriors interim head coach TODD PAYTEN. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Penrith have named all seven State of Origin players to back-up two days after the series opener, with all but Apisai Koroisau included on an extended bench in the 23-man NRL squad.

The Panthers hooker is almost certain to play against Cronulla on Friday night if he doesn't get game time in Origin I on Wednesday in Townsville as 18th man for NSW.

Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Liam Martin and Kurt Capewell will also be given a chance to play after travelling back to Sydney on Thursday and will be assessed before the match.

However, with 48 hours between games it's highly unlikely they will take the field at Jubilee Stadium.

North Queensland and Manly have followed suit with their Origin representatives.

NSW stars Tom Trbojevic and Jake Trbojevic and Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans have all been named to face North Queensland at Lottoland on Friday night.

Valentine Holmes, Kyle Feldt and Coen Hess have been named by the Cowboys to back-up less after Maroons duty.

Coach Todd Payten said on Tuesday he was hopeful they would be fit, but the Cowboys have prepared as if the trio won't be playing.

"Our mindset at the start of the week was we're preparing as if they're not playing," Payten said.

"So that means we may have to reshuffle a few things.

"But I want them to prepare as if they're playing in that position they've trained in all week.

"If it doesn't eventuate that way, then they can slot back in quite easily.

"We've got a pretty talented group of players who have covered different positions throughout the year so far, so it's not a major issue or huge challenge in that regard."

Payten said the final call will be made on Thursday before their flight to Sydney.

But quizzed as to whether he expects Manly to play their representative stars, he had a piece of advice for Des Hasler.

"I'd probably rest Tom, given his hamstring history and he's got a long flight back to Sydney so it'd be the smart play," he joked.

Melbourne's contingency of Origin players have also been named to return to club duty with Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Christian Welch, Felise Kaufusi and Josh Addo-Carr all set to face the Warriors on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Queensland duo Dane Gagai and Jai Arrow will be rested.

South Sydney are set to face Newcastle at Stadium Australia on Saturday and both were not named.

However, Latrell Mitchell, Damien Cook, Cameron Murray and Jaydn Su'a will be given every chance to back-up.

"Wayne (Bennett) said we would talk about those things when it comes to it, but we haven't had that conversation yet," Cook said on Tuesday.

"At the moment I'm ready to try and throw everything into (Origin I) and we'll go from there."

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