New South Wales Blues have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the second State of Origin match, with Casey McLean ruled out after suffering a fresh leg injury during training. The 20-year-old Penrith centre went down during the warm-up at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday, where the Blues were conducting their final session before flying to Melbourne later that day.
Fresh quadriceps issue sidelines McLean
McLean had entered camp nursing a minor ankle injury sustained against the Wests Tigers last Sunday. However, it is understood he aggravated a separate quadriceps problem during the training session, forcing him to withdraw from all subsequent drills. The Blues medical staff attended to him immediately, but the decision was made to rule him out of Wednesday's clash at the MCG.
The injury is a devastating setback for McLean, who impressed in his Origin debut as a bench player in the Blues' game-one victory. His electric performance had earned him a starting spot for the second match.
Nawaqanitawase emerges as frontrunner
Uncapped code-hopper Mark Nawaqanitawase is now a leading contender to replace McLean. The rugby union convert has been training with the Blues squad and is being considered for a potential debut in the crucial game two encounter. The Blues are expected to announce McLean's replacement imminently.
NSW will be aiming to wrap up the series with a win at the MCG, but will have to do so without one of their rising stars. The team is set to finalise their 17-man squad in the coming days.
