Kearns looking doubtful

Robbie Kearns has pulled up lame after a training session at Stadium Australia today and looks to be in grave doubt for the opening State of Origin match to be played at Stadium Australia next Wednesday.

Coach Phil Gould, was reluctant to specualte on the severity of the injury but has not ruled out calling in a shadow player and his given Kearns until tomorrow morning to prove his fitness. Likely candidates include Matt Parsons and Josh Perry from Newcastle, John Skandalis from Wests Tigers and Luke Bailey from St George, with the latter being a an outsider for a call up for the Blues.

NSW have had a disrupted preparation to date with the injury to Kearns and a decision should have been made yesterday so the new player has a chance to learn the plays and combinations vital for the blues chances.