Bradman Best has been given the all clear to play in the State of Origin decider, with the NSW centre set to return to training on Saturday.
Best was in doubt to return as he continues to manage hamstring tightness. Scans confirmed the concerns are not serious.
The Newcastle star was recalled into the team to replace Latrell Mitchell, who suffered a foot injury in the Rabbitohs win over the Eels.
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Best is still racing the clock to return to the field, having yet to complete a full training session with the Blues.
He was picked ahead of Manly’s Tom Trbojevic and will join Stephen Crichton in the role. Matt Burton was named as his cover in the extended squad.
Bradman Best of the Blues. Getty
But Blues head of performance, Frank Ponissi, believes the star will be ready to take to the Origin arena on Wednesday.
“Bradman Best is our only injury concern but he is coming along really well,” Ponissi said.
“We never intended for him to train on [Wednesday or Thursday]. He’s just been working on the side and getting treatment.
“He’s expected to train fully with the team on Saturday and we expect him to play on Wednesday night in game three.
“It’s disappointing to lose Latrell. He’s such a big presence in the team and was enormous for us in game two.
“For Latrell to miss out is firstly disappointing for himself but also for the team. He added so much, but we have no doubt that Bradman – after his outstanding debut in last year’s game three – will have another big game.”
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Reece Walsh is manhandled by Latrell Mitchell. Getty
Phil Gould labelled Best an “automatic choice” to replace Mitchell, given his success in game three last year.
“He’s good, Bradman. I don’t think they lose anything there whatsoever,” he said on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus.
“I know Latrell went good [in Origin II]. It was probably over-publicised how well he went. He was certainly on the end of a very good team.
“I think whatever Latrell can do, Bradman Best will be able to do the same if he gets those opportunities next Wednesday night.
“He is a tough performer. He’s a hard worker.”