Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Payne Haas among NSW stars battling injury or illness a week out from Origin decider
The State of Origin series decider is only a week away but five NSW Blues stars remain under injury or illness clouds following Wednesday's training session in the Blue Mountains.
Nathan Cleary (groin) and Jarome Luai (chest illness) were both on restricted training schedules to aid their recovery programs and did not participate in the team wrestling session.
As for Payne Haas (back), Hudson Young (groin) and Brian To'o (knee), the trio did not take part in any aspect of the training session.
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All injuries inside the NSW Blues camp were made known to coaching staff ahead of camp, according to Haas, who said he would return to training on Thursday.
The powerhouse prop has been battling a back issue throughout the season and has undergone injections to help manage the pain.
Asked if his confidence was rattled or if the injections were affecting his performance, Haas said he had no doubt he would be back to full fitness in time for the decider.
"I didn't do much today," Haas told reporters on Wednesday.
Nathan Cleary (L) and Jarome Luai (R) during a NSW Blues training session in the Blue Mountains. Getty
"I've had a back problem all year, to be honest. It has just been a bit sore.
"I had a bit of a needle in my back ... The staff out at Brisbane thought it was best I get a needle before I come in.
"I'm just resting up and getting ready for the game. I'll do a bit more tomorrow. [I'm] all good."
Haas didn't specify the cause of his back issue but said with a laugh: "I think I'm just being soft."
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The Broncos superstar said the last time he felt 100 per cent was "probably in round one".
"It is part of the game; that's what footy is," he added.
"You are never 100 per cent.
"I just want to go out and do my job well."
Blues players pictured during a training session in the Blues Mountains. Getty
To'o suffered a lateral ligament tear in his left knee during Penrith's win over Canterbury last Thursday.
Haas labelled To'o a "freak" and backed him to be ready to fire next Wednesday, despite To'o admitting in an interview with 9News that he was "hanging by a thread".
Jacob Kiraz, who is on standby as 18th man for the Penrith winger, completed the field session alongside the rest of the playing group.
Kiraz was joined by extended squad members Bradman Best, Brian Kelly, Lindsay Smith, Jack Williams, Isaiya Katoa and Teig Wilton.
NSW and Queensland both have training sessions scheduled for Monday at Accor Stadium.
