LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In the lead-up to the State of Origin opener, Westpac NSW Blues team doctor Nathan Gibbs highlighted the remarkable efforts of Stephen Crichton and Payne Haas.
Both players significantly contributed to the Blues' 18-6 victory over Queensland at Suncorp Stadium, securing a 1-0 lead in the series.
Haas, who was named man of the match, stunned fans by delivering an outstanding performance just ten days after sustaining a quad strain.
Meanwhile, Crichton also rose to the occasion, excelling in both offensive and defensive roles despite battling a corked thigh that nearly sidelined him two days prior to the game.
Gibbs, with over thirty years of experience in high-performance sports, expressed admiration for the duo's ability to perform under such constraints, describing it as "among the most impressive performances" he's witnessed.
Their determination and resilience played a crucial role in inspiring the Blues to their victory.