Casey McLean Ruled Out of NSW Origin II Squad After Training Injury
NSW centre Casey McLean has been ruled out of State of Origin Game II after suffering a quadriceps tear during a training session in Gosford on Saturday morning. McLean went down approximately 15 minutes into the session, opening the door for Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase to make his Origin debut as the team's 19th man. NSW are set to travel to Melbourne ahead of the series' second game on Wednesday night.
Casey McLean's participation in State of Origin Game II has been ended by a quadriceps tear sustained during the NSW Blues' training session in Gosford on Saturday morning. The centre was warming up with the squad before going down with the injury roughly 15 minutes in. His absence creates an opportunity for Sydney Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, who has been named as the team's 19th man and is now in line for a potential Origin debut. The Blues are scheduled to depart for Melbourne on Saturday afternoon ahead of the second game of the series, which takes place on Wednesday night. The injury is a significant blow to NSW's preparations, as McLean had been part of the squad's build-up for the must-win clash.
What's missing
The severity of McLean's quadriceps tear and his expected recovery timeline have not been reported. It is also unclear whether Nawaqanitawase will be formally elevated to the starting lineup or remain as the 19th man (reserve).
What different sources said
- Fox SportsCenter
Blues star removed from training; How Murray changed Origin as calls grow louder for him to start
- Fox SportsCenter
Blues star removed from training; How Murray changed Origin as calls grow louder for him to start
- Sydney Morning HeraldCenter
Casey McLean ruled out of Origin II after training injury
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