Blues supporter Jordan McLean has been ruled out of Origin’s decision at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday night.
An emotional McLean could only hold back tears for so long while confirming that his fairy tale debut was over before it began.
McLean was due to make his NSW debut a month before his 31st birthday next week, but he injured his hamstring training and knew right away he was out.
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“My career has been full of ups and downs and I’ve gotten used to it, but I thought there might be some light at the end of the tunnel having this opportunity, but it wasn’t like that,” McLean said.
“I was doing normal things in training and I don’t know what to say. I don’t feel too well at the moment.
“I haven’t talked to my family yet and that will be the hardest part of telling my youngsters that I won’t play.
“When you have these opportunities … I don’t know what will happen in the future right now. I’m pretty disappointed.”
Jordan McLean in Blues training Thursday. Getty Images Font: Getty Images
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Blues coach Brad Fittler has to figure out who will replace McLean, with Knights applicator Jacob Saifiti ready to make his NSW debut.
Saifiti had already left the camp and returned to Newcastle for his clash against South Sydney on Friday night, but now officials are trying to arrange flights back to Kingscliffe, north of NSW, where the Blues’ camp is located.
It is understood that Dale Finucane will join the expanded staff. He will be the second player introduced to the camp after Chad Townsend replaced Nicho Hynes (Covid).
It means Reagan Campbell-Gillard, who played in the first game of the series and was controversially eliminated for the second game, has been rejected again.
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