Concern but Napa expected to be fit
MAROONS officials are privately confident Dylan Napa will be ready to go in Sunday’s must- win clash against NSW, despite the fiery prop sitting out yesterday’s training session.
The Queensland team arrived on the Gold Coast yesterday morning and took part in a light run in the afternoon to kick off their preparations for Origin II.
While the side received a boost by the presence of Billy Slater ( hamstring), there was concern for Napa who watched the session from the sideline as he continues to monitor an ankle injury.
The fiery prop had a moon boot on his left foot when his teammates began training and then underwent treatment, including a massage, while the session continued.
Napa will be given until Wednesday to prove his fitness, but it is understood the Maroons are quietly confident he will be right to go.
While coach Kevin Walters named an 18- man squad that included Melbourne’s Tim Glasby as cover, it’s understood he has been in contact with Napa since the Roosters forward aggravated the ankle problem on Friday night.
While Queensland selector Gene Miles would not comment on Napa’s chance, he said the prop was “desperate” to play. “Dylan and Kevin have been speaking on the phone and Dylan says he wants every opportunity to play,” he said.