Blues enforcer Liam Martin is confident Bradman Best will be fit for next week’s State of Origin decider after the attacking centre was forced to train away from the main group during Wednesday’s session in the Blue Mountains.
Best has been recalled at left-back for Latrell Mitchell, who is out with a foot injury, but there are doubts over whether the Knights star will be able to play in the decisive match as he is struggling with a strain in his right thigh.
The two-try hero from last year’s Game 3 was put through his paces on Wednesday while the rest of the team trained, and Martin hopes Best will be fit for the main sessions later in the week.
“He said he was fine. I asked him how he was when he came to camp and he said it was a precautionary measure,” said Martin, who has been battling his own ailments ahead of the two games of the series.
“I told him that I experienced something similar in the first two training camps. So I told him to take care of his body and do what he needs to do. Then he’ll be ready.
“I think it’s OK. As long as you do the mental reps and make sure you’re clear about your role, you’ll be fine.
“The most important thing is that the body is OK. I think he’ll be fine. He’ll deal with it and get in at the end of the week and that’s where he’ll do the reps.”
Former Dally M’s Center of the Year Matt Burton is on standby, with Martin backing up his former Panthers teammate to step in if needed.
“It just reminded me of the days when I played with him and what he was capable of,” he said.
“He’s an incredible player. You could put him anywhere and he’ll play his role for you. He looked good out there but hopefully Bradman will be OK and come back.”
The Blues will need all hands on deck for Origin III as they look to make a comeback in the series on enemy territory following a crushing loss to their rivals at the MCG.
Former Maroons players said their team was bullied in Melbourne and the Blues beat them whenever they could.
Martin was the main opponent with some huge shots on defense and outstanding possession, but the back-row forward was quick to downplay his role as the Blues’ bully after being sent to the penalty box for patting Jaydn Su’A on the head.
“I don’t think I’m a bully. Other people might say that. I get told all the time that I’m the most hated person in Queensland but I try to ignore it. I don’t lose sleep over it,” he said, hoping the Blues can build on their dominance from Game 2.
“It was incredible to see what happened in the first half. It was like we were running downhill. I couldn’t say what it was, but it all came together.
“With a deciding game in Game 3 at Suncorp, we have to take things to a new level. We can’t just be happy with our performance in the first two games.”