LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Phil Gould has provided an update on Stephen Crichton's quad injury, revealing it to be "worse than first expected," which raises concerns about his participation in State of Origin 1 on Wednesday night.
The NSW Blues are investigating how footage from a closed training session was leaked to the media.
Reports indicate that Crichton left training early with ice and heavy strapping, initially labeled as just a cork injury.
After undergoing a scan, Matt Burton was added to the squad as 18th man to replace Campbell Graham if needed.
Speaking on '100% Footy,' Gould discussed Crichton's injury status.
"Hopefully he'll play," he said, expressing trust in the NSW medical staff to evaluate the situation.
"He'd have to be 100 percent.
Now Stephen Crichton, I said to them that he's a very resilient chap.
He plays with injuries all the time.
He'll know whether or not he can play it."
Gould emphasized that Crichton would not risk his health or the team's performance.
"At this level, the players know what they can and can't tolerate.
There's no way he's going to risk it and jeopardise a team performance." He recognizes the importance of the situation and acknowledges the presence of a capable replacement in Campbell Graham, who has been training with the team all week.
"They'll make the right decision.
I trust them to do that.
Other than that I just hope he's OK and he gets to play."