The NSW Blues’ preparations for the State of Origin decider hit its first hurdle before players even arrived in camp.
Recalled Knights gun Bradman Best was sent for scans on a fresh hamstring complaint only hours after he was recalled to the side to replace Latrell Mitchell at centre.
Best reported hamstring tightness to medical staff after his sides’ 16-12 win over the Raiders in Canberra on Sunday.
READ MORE: Fiery Roosters prop faces long ban after milestone game
READ MORE: Ponga recalled as Maroons name new look team
READ MORE: Eels land prized Bellamy pupil as head coach
He was sent for scans on his way into Blues camp on Monday morning. A hamstring niggle kept him out of contention for selection in the opening two games.
Bradman Best has been sent for scans on a fresh hamstring niggle. Getty
Best scored two tries on a stunning debut in his only Origin appearance in the third game of last year’s series.
Although the niggle is not believed to be serious, Bulldogs five eighth Matt Burton has been brought into the reserves as precautionary cover.
Speaking to media on Monday morning, Blues coach Michael Maguire said Best had been “on fire” for the Knights, and suggested he would’ve been picked earlier in the series if he was available.
Watch the 2024 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Bulldogs teammates swamp Matt Burton after a match-winning field-goal against the Sharks in round 17. Getty
“He’s been there before, he was probably one of the best players in the last game last year, and he’s shown he can play at that level,” he said.
“I’ve had a lot of thoughts about him before we started the series, but he was out injured. It’s nice to see him back out and running around.”
Burton has made only two Origin appearances, in the second and third games of the 2022 series. He was picked in the extended Blues squad for this year’s series-opener in Sydney, but left out altogether for game two.
He kicked the winning field goal in each of the Bulldogs back-to-back golden point victories across the last two rounds.