Scott Prince steps up to play his part in Darren Lockyer mystery
Scott Prince steps up to play his part in Darren Lockyer mystery | The Australian
THE mystery surrounding Darren Lockyer's availability for the second State of Origin match deepened yesterday, with in-form Gold Coast halfback Scott Prince rushed into the squad amid growing concerns over the Queensland captain's troublesome right knee.
Maroons officials initially announced that Prince, who was a highly controversial omission from the team for Games I and II, was on stand-by for halfback Johnathan Thurston, who had allegedly strained a groin muscle.
But it quickly emerged that Lockyer's knee injury was a far greater worry for Queensland coach Mal Meninga.
Lockyer has battled soreness, swelling, pain and inflammation around his right knee since having a knee reconstruction last year, but he was thought to have the problem under control following arthroscopic surgery in early May.
He appeared to be moving freely in his 60 minutes of action for Brisbane against Parramatta last Friday and was adamant at Tuesday's team announcement that he was ready for a full 80 minutes of football next Wednesday evening.
However, aside from a cameo appearance at yesterday's opposed session at the Gold Coast, Lockyer has been conspicuous by his absence from the training track, with Meninga and Queensland selector Gene Miles both expressing doubts over whether the two-time Golden Boot winner will take his place.
"We're making sure if anything does go wrong at the back end of the week, Scotty can come in," Meninga said. "With Locky, we're making sure if he does pull out we can make the change without too much fuss.
"He is a little bit sore. We will test him, (but) he is going to be the best judge in regards to whether he wants to play or not. It will be his decision based on the pain."
The state of flux within Camp Maroon has provided Prince with a much-deserved opportunity to be part of the Queensland squad.
Lockyer's exit from the training track after less than 15 minutes of work was the signal for Prince to rejoin the Origin fold for the first time since 2004.
The classy halfback looked right at home, slotting in alongside Thurston and working with hooker Cameron Smith.
It was a sight that would have brought a cringe to the faces of the selectors who overlooked Prince for GameI, preferring to play Broncos fullback Karmichael Hunt at five-eighth for the first time in his senior career.
Prince, though, was keeping things in perspective. If the past two months of speculation surrounding his non-selection in both the Queensland and Australia sides has taught him anything, it is never to look too far ahead.
"It is a bit of a strange one. Obviously I am excited to get the call and to be part of the squad, but I am being careful not to get too excited," Prince said.
"I don't want to get too carried away. At the moment I am on stand-by, so there is every chance that if things improve on the injury front in the next 48 hours I will be back playing for the Titans on Monday night."
After so many rejections at the selection table, Prince admitted the call-up was a perfectly-timed confidence boost.
"I guess now I can see there is hope there for me," he said.
"You never wish anyone to get hurt, but I know now I am only an injury away from being part of the team.
"It has been a while since I was in an Origin camp, so I am pretty excited, but it is just a matter of keeping a lid on things until we know something more definite."
Prince said he was looking forward to reuniting with Meninga, who was also in charge of the Prime Minister's XIII side of which Prince was a member.
"It's a pretty special atmosphere, being in Origin camp," Prince said.
"Whether I play or not, I will just try to get as much out of it as I can.
"I know I am a bit older, wiser and more experienced than last time around and if I get my chance, I will be ready."
State Of Origin Discussion Thread
State Of Origin Discussion Thread
