Injured Origin XIII: A lineup full of superstars highlights a troubling situation for the Blues and Maroons.
Origin damaged by injuries
Origin selection is challenging at the best of times, but it becomes even more difficult when superstars are injured.
This has been especially true during the 2024 NRL season, with a staggering list of the game’s top names unavailable for selection, in some cases for the entire series.
Nathan Cleary, Cameron Murray, Kalyn Ponga, and Cameron Munster (pictured) are just four of the guns from both sides of the Tweed who have had their names removed from calculations.
Scroll on to see the other potential Origin starters who have been shelved with them, as Wide World of Sports offers an Injured XIII.
1) Kalyn Ponga
The Newcastle superstar will miss the entire Origin series due to a foot ailment.
It comes a year after he selflessly ruled himself out of Queensland to focus on guiding the Knights, who he guided to a 10-game win streak.
Ponga competed with Reece Walsh for the Maroons’ top jumper this year.
2. Tom Trbojevic.
Manly, a talented fullback, was expected to play for the Blues, but the position was not yet established.
He began his Origin career on the flank but has recently played centre. He would have also been a fullback option for the Blues this season.
Trbojevic is out due to a hamstring issue.
3. Bradman Best.
Despite making his Origin debut last year, the wrecking ball centre is expected to miss the first few games of this series.
He sustained a hamstring injury for the Knights.
It is unclear whether he will be available later in the series.
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