Zac Lomax from Parramatta is expected to be sidelined for about six weeks due to a fractured foot, which significantly reduces his likelihood of recovering in time for the first State of Origin match where he was supposed to play for NSW. This development has created an additional challenge for Blues coach Laurie Daley.
Lomax scored the decisive field goal during the Eels' 23-22 victory in golden point overtime against St George Illawarra on Saturday, despite sustaining an injury earlier in the game.
On Tuesday evening, Lomax was included in the Eels team set to face Canberra in Darwin on Saturday night.
However, on Wednesday morning, he was sidelined, dealing a severe setback for newly appointed Eels mentor Jason Ryles as well as Blues strategist Daley, who will select their team for the opening match of the series on May 19.
Lomax might be back in action on May 16 for the match against Newcastle number 11.
Earlier this week, Daley mentioned positioning Lomax on the wing for the Blues during their first match against Queensland on May 28 in Brisbane.
"I view Zac as a winger rather than a center at this stage," Daley stated.
If Zac is part of the team, he'll play on the wing, not in the centers.
I believe several top-notch players might get overlooked if everyone is healthy enough to be considered. If all of them are fit for selection, it will lead to some difficult choices.
Lomax proved to be a standout for NSW during last year’s series, and Daly now anxiously awaits news on whether Penrith wing player Brian To'o will manage to overcome his hamstring injury in time for the first match.