Melbourne Storm skipper Harry Grant sat out for the second straight week in a development which is sure to be making Queensland coach Billy Slater anxious ahead of the State of Origin decider.
The hooker suffered a nasty cut to his head during the Maroons’ 38-18 defeat to New South Wales, while also sustaining a sternum injury in Game II.
Grant wasn’t required to back-up for the Storm two weeks ago - in a match where fellow QLD star Xavier Coates went down with a hamstring injury - and also missed the Round 18 win over the Wests Tigers.
The Storm star has been named for Game III, although doubts around his inclusion still remain with another dummy-half listed in the extended squad.
MORE STATE OF ORIGIN COVERAGE
- Which team has the biggest advantage during State of Origin period?
- NSW Blues team list for Game III
- QLD Maroons team list for Game III
Will Harry Grant play for Queensland Maroons in State of Origin Game 3?
The Maroons had the opportunity to wrap up the series in Melbourne last month after recording a comprehensive victory over the Blues in the opening match.
However, Michael Maguire’s side responded in style as they romped to a statement win in Victoria.
Coates and J’maine Hopgood have already been ruled out of the decider, while Slater has elected to pick Grant and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow despite the pair not playing since Game II.
"After discussions with the medical staff and Craig Bellamy, we felt it best to give Harry another week off as he's been carrying a lot of bumps and bruises from the season and he's played a lot of football this year," Melbourne’s General Manager of Football, Frank Ponissi, revealed last week.
The 26-year-old has been utilised off the bench for the first two Origin matches with Ben Hunt starting ahead of him.
Although Grant’s impact off the pine hasn’t been as pronounced as in previous series with the dummy-half kept quiet by the Blues.
He has averaged just 40 run metres in this year’s series so far, which is his lowest tally since debuting for his state in 2020.
Grant made just 19 tackles during 41 minutes of action in Game II. And when this is compared to his effort of 33 tackles in 38 minutes in the opening match, it's clear to see the hooker was well below his usual level of involvement.
"He's had two tough Origin matches so, given it’s the middle of the year, we thought it was in his best interest to give him a break two games in a row," Ponissi stated.
"This will freshen him up for the back end of the season."
Who will replace Harry Grant in Origin decider?
If Grant is eventually ruled out of the Origin decider due to injury, Slater has named Reed Mahoney to replace him.
The Canterbury No.9 has returned to great form this campaign after a disappointing first season at the Dogs in 2023.
The 26-year-old has tightened up his defence through the middle, while also rediscovering his attacking touch with two tries and 10 assists in 16 NRL appearances.
It marks the first time Mahoney has been in Queensland camp since also being named in the extended squad three years ago.
