True Blue Luke Lewis is hoping Brian To’o makes it back to full fitness in time for the opening game of the Ampol State of Origin series but believes a Penrith Panthers teammate could be the player to take his place in case he doesn’t.
While acknowledging Round Two is early to speculate on who wears a Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues jersey in 2022, Lewis knows To’o will have his work cut out for him to get back on the field and regain his match fitness.
The 23-year-old, who made his debut for the Blues last year and played all three games of the series, suffered a high-grade tear in his left knee medial ligament during the 20-16 win over the Dragons in Round One. The Panthers have confirmed he could be out for six to eight weeks.
If it is the latter, then To’o may not return until the Round 10 game against Melbourne Storm, which means he would have only three games before Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler picks his Origin team for Game One on 8 June.
“Fingers crossed he’s right to go,” Lewis told Behind Blue Eyes.
“I’m so disappointed that he’s not out there – he’s a massive part of the Penrith side and what he did for the Blues last year was absolutely awesome.
“I’d probably go (Stephen) Crichton based on the way he’s going and the team he’s playing in. (Penrith) will have a lot of Blues in that side so he stands out for me.
“Nick Cotric (Raiders) hasn’t done a whole lot yet. Daniel Tupou has been there before and he’s great under the high ball and has a strong carry out of the back.
“They are a couple of guys definitely, but I’d like to see a little more football first.”
Lewis said one player who would be back for the Blues this year would be current Dally M Medal joint leader, Isaah Yeo.
“For me Isaah Yeo is the number one lock at the moment,” Lewis said.
“I really like the way he plays. He gets heavily involved coming out of his own end but he’s not just looking to be a bash-up forward – sometimes he’s looking to pass or creating plays out the back for his halves.
“He puts his hand up to make the strong carry. He’s a very smart footballer.”
Earlier in the week Fittler nominated Warriors back rower Josh Curran as a possible Blues bolter. That sits well with Lewis although he told ‘Behind Blue Eyes’ that Cronulla’s half Nicho Hynes had an equally strong chance.
“Matt Burton is another I’d like to see in a Blues jersey because he’s just a footballer,” Lewis said. “But at the moment he’s got to find his feet again at five-eighth.”
