Coates under injury cloud

PAPUA New Guinea international Xavier Coates has sent a scare through the Queensland camp ahead of Wednesday night’s State of Origin opener after landing awkwardly on his right shoulder during training yesterday.
The Brisbane Broncos winger went high to take a bomb at Cbus Super Stadium but landed heavily on his shoulder and immediately left the field as a precaution.
The Maroons confirmed that they would see how the Brisbane Broncos winger was doing this morning before deciding if he needed to be sent for scans.
Coates is set to make his Origin debut on the edge outside of Melbourne Storm centre Brenko Lee, who was on the spot to give his teammate support yesterday.
“When he went down, I sat down and talked to him for a little while,” Lee said.
“I honestly didn’t think it was bad. When it’s bad, they’re screaming or they don’t want no-one around but he just said it felt a bit numb.
“I have full faith in the medical staff and (Maroons coach) Wayne (Bennett) that they’ll make the right call.
“I’m sure he’ll be right but, if not, anyone who comes in will do their best for the state.”
Should Coates be ruled out of the opener in Adelaide, it could force a backline reshuffle with Queensland’s depth already stretched.
Incumbents Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights), Moses Mbye (Wests Tigers) and Michael Morgan (North Queensland Cowboys) are already unavailable through injury, leaving Bennett to select from reserves.
Newcastle pair Hymel Hunt and Edrick Lee are options for the wing, as is Gold Coast Titans flyer Phillip Sami. – AAP