NSW Blues star Stephen Crichton 'expected to play' despite lingering injury concern
Updated . First published
Stephen Crichton looks set to play in Wednesday night's State of Origin series opener, with the gun centre expected to overcome a leg injury.
The 24-year-old was spotted limping off at training on Monday, with head coach Laurie Daley even admitting he was "unsure" if he would be fit to play.
Bulldogs football boss Phil Gould told Nine's 100% Footy he had been informed by NSW medical staff that Crichton was no more than a "50/50" chance, but that prognosis looks to have improved on the eve of the blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium.
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According to Nine's Danny Weidler, there are no changes looming ahead of the 24-hour squad update for the Blues.
"Blues say Stephen Crichton expected to play in Origin I at Suncorp tomorrow night," he said via X on Tuesday evening.
"Team has to be submitted by 8pm and there are no changes."
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A short video of Crichton hobbling off the training field was posted on Monday.
Crichton - the Canterbury captain - is one of the form players of the NRL and his absence would have been a bitter blow for the Blues.
Stephen Crichton was seen limping off the training field. Sydney Morning Herald
Campbell Graham was likely to come into the starting team if Crichton had to withdraw, with Matt Burton on standby to fulfil 18th man duties.
In more good news for Blues fans, Payne Haas is "definitely going to play" according to Daley after overcoming an injury of his own.
