ILLNESS STRIKES IN CAMP
QUEENSLAND’S Origin preparations have taken a hit after star centre Dane Gagai came down with a bout of tonsillitis.
The 30-year-old missed Friday’s training run and the all important Sunday training session at Cbus Super Stadium, which saw his
South Sydney teammate Jadyn SU’A replace him at right centre.
Sunday’s session also saw trio Cameron Munster (foot) AJ Brimson (knee) and Harry Grant (hamstring) train
unscathed after appearing under injury clouds leading into this year’s series.
Maroons medical staff took no risks when Gagai fell ill last week, testing him for Covid-19 – which has since returned a negative result – and putting him in isolation.
Despite the health scare, Maroons doctor Matt Hislop was confident Gagai would recover in time to fly with the team to Townsville today after being treated “with a course of antibiotics”.
Gagai’s Origin teammates were confident he would recover in time to play the
series opener at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
“It happens,” Kurt Capewell said. “In the game we play, we get injuries and unfortunately when you play a game in winter you get crook every now and then.
“Gages is just a bit crook and they’re sorting him out.”
The star centre is no stranger to illness in Camp Maroon after being confined to his room in the lead up to Game II in 2019.
SU’A joked his teammate was just doing it “for a story” but admitted he was excited to play alongside him.