The NSW Blues are struggling with injury fears as Payne Haas is absent from training
Payne Haas has caused a scare in camp in the New South Wales state of origin after twisting his ankle while training.
The New South Wales giant limped off the Coogee Oval in the middle of Friday’s session to receive medical treatment and was later spotted with ice and a leg raised.
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Blues officials acted quickly to reassure the assembled media that the treatment was precautionary, and Haas had no doubts in Wednesday’s series opener.
They were also confident Haas could resume practice after the weekend break when the Blues reunite on Sunday.
“It’s a precautionary measure,” said Blues consultant Greg Alexander.
“It’s an ankle sprain. He stepped on someone’s boot while walking backwards and fell over the ankle.
“He will be right on Sunday. He will train on Sunday.
“There is no story. It’s just an ankle sprain that needs icing on the cake right now.”
Any concerns about Haas’ fitness would be a serious concern for the Blues given his ability to put up big minutes in midfield.
He is widely considered to be the best prop master in the game.
NSW desperately needed the top player in last season’s decider, which he missed with a shoulder injury as the Blues lost 22-12 at Suncorp Stadium.
