NSW VB Blues coach Laurie Daley today declared he is confident captain Boyd Cordner will overcome a calf injury to lead the VB Blues in the Holden State of Origin Series decider on Wednesday (July 12) after completing his first contact session with the team this morning.
Daley said he felt "positive" about Cordner's chances following the opposed session against the Holden Cup Gold Coast Titans team at Cudgen Leagues Club but expects to have a better indication tomorrow.
"Boyd did most of the session, so things are looking positive, but we've got to wait until he pulls up tomorrow and we'll get a better indication because he ran yesterday and then we upped the ante again today," Daley said.
"I spoke to him after training and he said he was feeling really good and very positive, so with those types of injuries you just have to wait and see how they pull up."
If Cordner is cleared to play, the VB Blues will field the same 17 throughout the series for the first time since 1996.
If not fit to play, Daley said Jack de Belin would make his Origin debut.
Daley confirmed that other players under an injury cloud in the lead-up, including Tyson Frizell and James Tedesco, have trained all week and will take their place in the starting side.
The NSW VB Blues will complete their preparation on Tuesday with the Captain’s Run at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.
*This first appeared on NSWRL.com.au
