Kaufusi to miss Origin decider

QUEENSLAND’s Origin preparations have taken a major hit, with key back-rower Felise Kaufusi ruled out of the Suncorp Stadium decider on Wednesday week.

Maroons coach Billy Slater confirmed on Sunday that Kaufusi would not be considered for Origin III after making a mercy dash to America to support his sick father Taniela.

Kaufusi Sr contracted a serious infection to his leg while on a family holiday in Hawaii and was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital last week, prompting the Maroons and Storm hardman to book an emergency trip to America.

And the news could get worse for the Maroons, with star pivot Cameron Munster admitting he is no certainty to feature in the decider due to a shoulder injury suffered in Origin II.

Kaufusi missed last Thursday night’s Storm-Manly clash and the Maroons were sweating on his potential comeback for Game Three, but the Melbourne forward will not return in time for the series decider.

It is a blow for the Maroons, who rely on Kaufusi’s experience and toughness to set the standard in defence.

Slater has a number of options including Titans duo David Fifita and Beau Fermor, Maroons rookie Jeremiah Nanai or Cowboys young gun Tom Gilbert, who can play in the middle or on an edge.

Fifita made his comeback from injury against the Knights and was strong in the Titans’ 38-12 loss.

He has played five games for the Maroons since 2019 and his tackle-busting brilliance could be an X-factor in Queensland’s back-row.

Another possible contender is Dragons hitman Jaydn Su’A. Former Queensland Origin lock Scott Sattler said Slater should consider Su’A, who returned from injury a fortnight ago and played a key role in the Maroons’ series win in 2020.

“I am a big Jaydn Su’A fan,” Sattler said.

“He has been in the Origin arena before and delivered so I would be looking at him if Kaufusi is unavailable.”

Key Maroons duo Kalyn Ponga (concussion) and Munster (shoulder) are also in doubt, but Queensland are hopeful the pair will get the green light from medicos.

Munster is keen to play and the Maroons maestro could potentially have a pain-killing injection on his damaged AC joint to ensure he faces the Blues in the do-or-die Suncorp decider.

“The shoulder has pulled up a lot better than I expected, so I’ll do everything I can to make sure I’m right,” he said.

“And that’s obviously whether Billy (Slater) decides to pick me and if he does he thinks I can do the job.

“I’ve done this injury before ... you just play through it.”