Queensland second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has sustained a hip injury at training but coach Billy Slater is not concerned, saying it’s “just a bump.”
The Maroons had an opposed session against Tweed Heads Seagulls at Sanctuary Cove on Thursday as they aim to complete a State of Origin series clean sweep of NSW on Wednesday next week.
Late in the session Nanai pulled up and Slater, team doctor Matt Hislop and physiotherapist Steve Sartori consulted with the 20-year-old.
An ice pack was applied to Nanai’s hip and he sat out the rest of the training session before being driven away in a golf buggy by teammate Murray Taulagi.
Slater told AAP he expected Nanai to continue training during camp and said the injury was not serious.
“It is just a bump, a bit of a bruise,” Slater told AAP.
“It is not concerning and I am not concerned. He has got a bit of a bump on the bone in his hip.
“He’s all good. He’s fine.”
Nanai was grimacing in pain and will be monitored ahead of Origin game three in Sydney.
The North Queensland forward has been a revelation for the Maroons in the past two series. He missed game one of this year’s series due to suspension but was on fire in the 32-6 win in game two.
Slater has a high opinion of Nanai and the Cowboys wrecking ball credited his coach with giving him the tools to succeed on his return to the Origin fray.
In camp before game two Nanai and Slater sat down together in front of a screen, with Nanai all ears.
“To listen to him for half an hour … it was just crazy what I learned,” Nanai told AAP.
“It is crazy how many hours Billy pours into individual players.
“He was one of the best players in the game and he is one of the best coaches.
“Billy gave me a lot of tips on the areas I needed to work on. It was mainly on defence, and it was advice I took on board.
“There was a lot of detail to it but when I was playing in the game it came back into my head.
“When I listen to him I get confidence in myself, thanks to Billy. He gave me the opportunity again and I am very proud to be here.”
