Cameron Murray in huge boost for NSW amid hopes of levelling State of Origin series

Cameron Murray is expected to make his return from injury for South Sydney's clash with the Broncos on Friday night. The Rabbitohs captain has missed Souths' last four games and Origin I with a hip-pointer injury he picked up against Penrith in round nine but after getting through a full training session on Tuesday, he is reportedly ready to make his NRL return and stake his claim for Origin II.

Murray's teammates are optimistic he will play in their match against Brisbane as long as he successfully completes the captain's run on Thursday. And it is expected that the eyes of NSW coach Michael Maguire will be firmly fixed on the Souths lock. "I'd say so," veteran prop Tom Burgess said when asked whether Murray would line up on Friday.

"He's pretty close. He's got to see how how he pulls up after today, he did everything today. I'd put my money on him playing."

Murray has impressed the Rabbitohs with his swift recovery and Tom Burgess says he looks as good as ever. "He looked like he's not missed a beat, out there today on the field. He's obviously very professional in how he goes about his recovery," Burgess said. "He's got back out there probably ahead of time."

RELATED:

• Brandon Smith's girlfriend caught up Roosters meeting controversy

• Clint Gutherson rips 'horrible' call after Parramatta dudded against Dogs

• Mitchell Moses called out over 'worrying' scenes amid Matt Burton twist

Handed his NRL debut by the Blues coach in 2017, Murray has been picked in every Origin game since 2019 when fit and he has the versatility to be deployed through the middle or on an edge. With injury concerns hanging over NSW forwards Liam Martin (foot) and Haumole Olakau'atu (calf), Martin's return couldn't come at a better time.

Maguire will name his squad for NSW's do-or-die match against Queensland in Melbourne on June 26 next Sunday, where there are numerous question marks over his team selection. The Blues went 1-0 down in the series as the Maroons racked up a 38-10 victory after Joseph Suaalii was sent off in just the seventh minute. And the Blues need to be victorious in Game II to keep their hopes of winning the Origin Shield alive.

Latrell Mitchell the Blues saviour?

Latrell Mitchell, Matt Burton and Jesse Ramien are widely considered to be the main three in contention for the vacant Blues centre role. And Souths veteran Tom Burgess has urged Maguire to give the Rabbitohs No.1 the crack as he says he is the player that Queensland will fear the most.

Injuries have cost Mitchell a Blues jersey in previous years, and he looms as a potential saviour if Maguire chooses to bring him in off his best game of the year against the Titans. "I’d have him in there if I was the coach. I think he’s dangerous. If you’re a Queenslander, you’d rather him out of the side than in the side,” Burgess said.

“He’s one of those athletes that’s big and fast and strong, but he can also throw a 30m ball and he’s getting his kicking game there as well. He thinks he’s Dusty Martin. It’s another string to the bow for him and we’re better with him in the side.

“I don’t think he’s too worried about that (proving a point) right now. He’s focused on the red and green. He’s passionate about the Blues and wants them to do well. If he’s needed there then I’m sure he’d be in the conversation.” While a centre will need to be brought in to replace the suspended Suaalii, the Blues coach must also decide whether he replaces James Tedesco and Nicho Hynes who failed to fire in Game I with Dylan Edwards and Mitchell Moses.

with agencies