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Huge twist in Origin halves race as frontrunner ruled out

Luke Keary won’t be picked for game one of State of Origin for the Blues as a result of heavy head knock in the Knights game on Friday night, according to one of the selectors.

Keary was hit in a heavy tackle by Daniel Saifiti as he looked to get a pass off in the eight minute of the Roosters’ lost to the Knights.

The in-form five-eight ended up on the ground heavily concussed while the pass ended up in the hands of Hymel Hunt who ran away and scored.

Blues selector Greg Alexander said Keary was looking like the frontrunner for one of the halves positions, but has been ruled out of contention.

Luke Keary was concussed in the clash against the Knights. (Image: Fox Sports)
Luke Keary was concussed in the clash against the Knights. (Image: Fox Sports)

“He won’t be fit for game one,” Alexander told ABC Grandstand on Saturday.

“Luke was looking like he was going to break into the team.”

Keary has now suffered four concussions in his past two seasons.

The injury to Keary opens the door for the likes of Cody Walker and incumbent James Maloney.

Blues coach Brad Fittler is set to retain Nathan Cleary at halfback, according to reports.