LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Westpac NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley is closely monitoring Round 11 of the NRL season as several State of Origin contenders aim to demonstrate their fitness ahead of the series opener.
According to nrl.com.au, Eels winger Zac Lomax is gearing up for his first game since April 5, set to play against Newcastle on Friday night.
This match offers him a critical opportunity to solidify his position in the squad.
Lomax is not alone in facing fitness challenges; Brian To'o, who joined Lomax on the flank last year, has also experienced significant time away from the field.
Although To'o returned for last week's draw with North Queensland, he missed another chance to showcase his fitness due to Penrith's bye week.
Various other players, including Dylan Edwards, Tom Trbojevic, Mitchell Moses, and Latrell Mitchell, have also struggled with injury during the early part of the season.
Daley is optimistic that all potential Blues players will come through this weekend's matches healthy but acknowledges that injury issues will heavily influence his decision-making process when he selects the team on Sunday night.