Queensland preparation disrupted by injuries

An SOS has been sent to Newcastle’s Dane Gagai after Queensland revealed they were monitoring an ‘‘unwell’’ Greg Inglis and recovering fullback Billy Slater ahead of the State of Origin opener on Wednesday.

Already reeling from Daly Cherry-Evans’ withdrawal, the Maroons are now sweating on superstar Inglis after giving Slater until Saturday to prove his fitness.

As insurance, Gagai has been called into the squad and was expected to train with the Maroons on Thursday afternoon at their Gold Coast camp.

The developments added further intrigue to Queensland’s less than ideal preparation for Wednesday night’s Origin opener.

After the Cowboys’ Michael Morgan officially replaced CherryEvans on the bench, attention had turned to Slater who initially looked set to be given a Thursday deadline to prove his injured shoulder had healed sufficiently.

However, Maroons coach Mal Meninga revealed Slater would be assessed on Saturday before the team fly out for Sydney the next day.

Meninga was confident the veteran fullback would take his place in the side.

He also confirmed Cowboys playmaker Michael Morgan would fill the interchange vacancy created by Cherry-Evans’ withdrawal.

Meninga had adopted a new tough-love approach with injured players this year and made an early call on Cherry-Evans’ shoulder problem.

He had been desperate to avoid a repeat of previous years in which Queensland’s preparation was disrupted by injured players given until the last minute to prove their fitness.

The fact that Slater has been given until the last minute to prove his fitness indicates Queensland medical staff are confident he will play.

Rookie Morgan was rushed into the squad for Cherry-Evans on Wednesday.

Meninga said Morgan would slot onto the bench instead of 18th man, Sydney Roosters giant Dylan Napa, despite the Blues’ huge 42kg bench advantage.