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Michael Maguire’s nightmare weekend went from bad to worse after that State of Origin NSW hope Nicho Hynes was a late withdrawal from of Cronulla match against Melbourne.
AAP understands the Sharks halfback reported calf tightness less than 24 hours after Nathan Cleary’s hamstring injury appears to bolster his case for seizing origins.
Presumptive Blues center Tom Trbojevic is set to miss the first two games of the series after injuring his right hamstring in Manly’s loss to the Dolphins on Thursday and faces a seven-week rehabilitation spell.
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The Sharks are yet to confirm the length of their midfielder’s rest but believe the issue is minor.
Any absence of more than two weeks would cast doubt on Hynes’ ability to join the Blues for Origin I camp, which starts in the last week of May.
Cleary limped off the field in Penrith’s 16-10 win over Canterbury on Friday night and went for a scan on his right hamstring on Saturday afternoon.
The Panthers were still awaiting results early on Saturday night, but the club is preparing to be without the midfielder for the coming weeks.
Even the smallest of tears would leave Cleary in question for Origin I at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on June 5.
Cleary was a safe selection for Maguire at number 7, with Trbojevic expected to line up alongside him at right centre.
Now these plans need serious changes.
Mitch Moses would normally be the favorite to replace two-time Clive Churchill Medalist Cleary, but the Parramatta playmaker has his own injury problems.
Moses could return from a leg injury against Melbourne next Sunday but is far from certain to play.
If he doesn’t feature in that game, he will have just one game – against South Sydney on May 25 – before Maguire makes his first team appearance.
Hines was a five-eighth option, but that plan may also have to be revisited, with Jarome Luai and Matt Burton two possibilities for the No. 6 jersey.
Trbojevic’s injury is also problematic, with the 2021 Wally Lewis Medal winner likely to only make three appearances at best.
Fellow wing-turned-centre Latrell Mitchell has reportedly considered quitting NSW amid Souths’ torrid start to the season.
Stephen Crichton could return to the side at center while incumbent Bradman Best’s chances of keeping his place increase.
Cotton Stags is another option, while Maguire could play Burton or Zach Lomax at centre.
Despite NSW’s nightmare 24 hours, Penrith and Blues lock Isaah Yeo remained confident of his side’s chances of reclaiming the Origin Shield.
“At the start of the preseason, (Maguire) drafted a 36-man squad with the understanding that things like this happen,” Yeo said.
“There were other players after the camp.
“Thirty-six players were selected for this because injuries happen, especially at this time of year.
“I have all the confidence in the world that the guys will come in and do a great job.”
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