Boyd’s big day
Skipper Boyd Cordner faced the media this morning, revealing he is likely to take part in Origin III. Much had been made about the captain's health but, having worked hard over the past week to get himself near full health, the back-rower says he's every chance of lining up. Yesterday playmaker James Maloney spoke to the media about Cordner’s importance to the team as well as a range of other topics.
Billy idle?
Is this a genuine scare… or is this just mind games? During yesterday’s session for the Maroons, Billy Slater rolled his ankle and failed to finish the session… but not everyone is convinced the great Queensland fullback is truly injured. Not VB Blues coach Laurie Daley, nor True Blues legend Steve Roach.
Sixteens gather
Brad Fittler’s NSW under-16s side heads north to Brisbane today, preparing to face Queensland in the curtain-raiser to Origin III. Don’t forget you can watch this match live-streamed to your phone, computer or tablet – make www.NSWRL.com.au your homepage and download our app to ensure you don’t miss a minute!
Future not the focus
Much has been made about what will happen at the end of this series, from a coaching point of view at least. Laurie Daley's contract expires at the end of this season. Legendary Blue Peter Sterling arrived this year as part of a package deal to work alongside Daley... so what will happen if the former Raider decides to depart the Origin scene? "One of the big attractions for me to get involved was Laurie. If there was to be any further involvement, that would impact [on it]," Sterling told Fairfax Media. "But there is so much going on, and so much on your mind, that stuff like that is on the backburner and will be addressed at [another] time."
Media watch
Captain Cordner was the only VB Blue to face the media today, with this the players’ rest day. Tomorrow the team heads north for their captain’s run, before bunking down in Brisbane for the night ahead of Origin III. This morning, Queensland’s Cameron Smith faced the media. Catch the fallout from all of these press conferences on www.NSWRL.com.au.
Did you know?
The NSW Women’s side, to play Queensland in the Women’s Interstate Challenge, will be named this week. The match, played on 23 July, will be broadcast on Fox League.
