Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans sat out his side’s first training run in Perth on Wednesday afternoon but is not in doubt for the second State of Origin clash with NSW at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Cherry-Evans returned to the field to lead Queensland to an 18-14 win in Origin I at Suncorp Stadium five weeks after surgery on the ankle he injured in Manly’s 24-20 win over the Raiders on April 28.
He then backed up to captain the Sea Eagles to a 34-14 victory over St George Illawarra last Sunday.
The 30-year-old has sat out training to manage his workload this week but he will train with the team for the first time on Thursday.
Maroons prop Dylan Napa did train with the Maroons despite having a broken wrist while Dane Gagai also took part after recovering from a virus.
Munster warns Blues: I'll only get better
Queensland centre Michael Morgan said Cherry-Evans performance in Origin I was an inspiration to the entire squad, and added that Napa’s determination to play with his wrist fracture was a reflection of the lead taken by the Maroons captain.
"There hasn't been any distractions with it. Dylan says he is sweet, so we will believe him,” Morgan said.
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 2 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
“Daly set the example last game. It was quite literally unbelievable how soon he played after having the surgery that he did.
“Everyone thought he was genuinely in doubt but he came in and said he was 100 per cent ready to go and showed that he was. He set the example there. He set the tone and I am sure Dylan will be no different.”