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2 hours ago | Andrew Ferguson
Dragons captain Trent Barrett today ruled himself out of Origin 2 this week on medical advice after having played his first game in eight weeks on Friday night. Barrett was today approached to play in Origin 2 this Wednesday after Brett Kimmorley tore his hamstring at NSW training this morning, but said he had to make one of toughest decisions of his career by declining.
Barrett played a pivotal albeit "tentative" role in the Dragons win over the Panthers two days ago - his first game in eight weeks since tearing his hamstring.
"Our team doctor (Dr Raftery) strongly advised me against playing in a game of the intensity of Origin football just five days after my first game back from an eight-week lay-off with my hamstring injury," Barrett said.
"It was probably one of the toughest decisions I've had to make. Obviously I would love to play Origin, but I wanted to do what was best for my club - and also for NSW. If I had of played I probably would have been tentative like I was against Penrith - I never got into full stride.
"I will definitely be right come Origin 3 though with a few more games under my belt and some match fitness."
Meanwhile, there were no injuries from Friday night's game. Shaun Timmins (neck) is expected to return for next Sunday's clash with the Tigers at Oki Jubilee Stadium, while Mark Gasnier (ankle), Nathan Blacklock (hamstring) and Jason Ryles (foot) will all be assessed this week.