The Maroons have made just three changes to the team that thrashed New South Wales 52-6 in Game III past year, with only two debutants being blooded by Walters and Josh McGuire returning after an Achilles injury ended his 2015 season last June.
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“My new role as the Australian coach saw me with a number of these players just recently so I’m here supporting them and whatever comes from it”, Meninga said.
Cronk rolled his ankle during a session on the Gold Coast on Friday and Queensland coach Kevin Walters revealed that the Melbourne Rebels playmaker may miss the series-opener against New South Wales at ANZ Stadium next Wednesday.
“I reckon he is a chance of playing, although there is no guarantee at the moment”, Smith said of the halfback.
But rather than bring Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans onto the interchange in a like-for-like replacement, it appears Lillyman will get the nod as new Queensland coach Kevin Walters attempts to combat the massive NSW forward pack. “There’s no issue at all with him not training this week then slotting in for the game”.
“We will get some scans as soon as we can and go from there”.
Smith has no doubt Cronk, a veteran of 15 Origin appearances, can perform with little preparation.
His combination with Cowboys halves partner Johnathan Thurston would be a big plus if Cronk failed to come up for the game.
“Our preparation has been spot on (without Cronk) – our staff have not been anxious too much”, Smith said.
Smith had confidence in Michael Morgan stepping up if needed in Cronk’s absence.
“We are pretty fortunate in that regard that our blokes can interchange (positions)”, Gillmeister said.
“The bloke is 32, he knows his own body”, Smith said.
Walters would want Cronk to try and run today so he and the team’s medical staff can assess his recovery, and also the risk of the ankle blowing up again.
“Cooper’s been an integral part of this group for a long time now and he orchestrates a fair bit of our game plan”.
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Queensland leave the Gold Coast and fly into Sydney on Monday afternoon.
