SYDNEY - Queensland's four-peat celebrations have been tempered by the news star centre Greg Inglis will be an unlikely starter when the party goes into overdrive at the Origin series finale in Brisbane.
A long injury toll was the only low point for the Maroons as they wrapped up an
unprecedented four straight series wins with a 24-14 victory over a disappointing NSW side at ANZ Stadium on last night.
Inglis suffered concussion and a suspected fractured jaw from a hit that threatens to rule NSW pivot Trent Barrett out for up to three weeks, the injury putting Inglis' participation for game three on July 15 in doubt.
Queensland coach Mal Meninga said Inglis' determination to come back on after the 22nd minute tackle showed the determination in the Maroons side, which was also hobbled by injuries to Ben Hannant (knee), Ashley Harrison (ribs) and an virus that ripped through the camp.
"That's the character of Greg, he wanted to come back on and here he is with a fractured jaw," Meninga said.
"We had nobody on the bench at one stage but such is the nature of this footy side, they just keep hanging in there ... we came up for results that NSW couldn't.
"That speaks volumes for them.
"The reason why we win footy games is because defensively, they're outstanding ... that's why we win the games, not because of our attack but our defence."
Hannant was diagnosed with a grade two medial ligament injury to his knee, while Harrison will join Inglis in having scans on Thursday.
Barrett has until midday Thursday to decide whether to accept a two match ban after being charged with a grade one reckless high tackle or risk a three match suspension by fighting the charge at the judiciary.
- AAP
