Mitchell Moses has failed to train in yet another NSW Blues session, despite coach Laurie Daley publicly stating he wanted him at 100 per cent before State of Origin.
Daley told media when the team was selected that he expected the five-eighth to be back to at “full clip” by the time Thursday rolled around.
Mitchell Moses trained away from his teammates. Getty
That wasn’t the case however, with Moses training away from the group and still racing the clock to overcome a hamstring injury suffered before game one.
Moses, as well as centre Casey McLean who is carrying an ankle concern, went through fitness and testing drills while their teammates ramped up preparations.
While the line from Daley should be raising alarm bells, team doctor Nathan Gibbs remains confident Moses will be fit to take the field next Wednesday.
“Mitch had a really good session,” Gibbs told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“He got up to about 80 per cent speed, but also did some volume to get some conditioning under his belt. Hes due to go close to 100 per cent [speed] on Saturday and be incorporated into team training. His hammy feels good.
“I’m confident because of how minuscule the tear was. The tear was tiny. I would expect him to play three weeks later, which is effectively what we’re trying to do – it will be three weeks and two days next Wednesday since he [injured himself].”
Should the 30-year-old be ruled out, Ethan Strange is part of the six-man bench and trained alongside halfback Nathan Cleary on Thursday.
Strange starred in his Origin debut in Sydney, but was dropped back to the bench to accommodate for Moses’ return.
Isaiya Katoa was initially named in the Blues’ squad but has been released back to play for his club side the Dolphins on Friday night.