Injury intrigue but Maroons boosted by Kaufusi verdict

Alarm bells were ringing at Queensland's Bundaberg Fan Day on Tuesday – literally.

But Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans backed his side to cope with whatever was thrown their way in next week's State of Origin opener.

And few would doubt him after witnessing Queensland overcome arguably their most unexpected hurdle on Tuesday when a Tina Turner impersonator's stage show forced the team's evacuation at the Fan Day luncheon.

It seems an Origin build-up wouldn't be complete without a judiciary or injury drama.

And the Maroons' countdown to June 9's game one in Townsville has gone to script with key players conspicuous by their absence at Tuesday's Fan Day as they race the clock to prove their fitness.

Fullback Kalyn Ponga (groin), playmaker Cameron Munster (foot), bench utility AJ Brimson and forward Christian Welch (both knee) were no-shows when the Maroons were mobbed by thousands of Bundaberg fans who flocked to the showgrounds for autographs and high fives.

Adding further intrigue, enforcer Tino Fa'asuamaleaui was also absent.

Then there was Melbourne back-rower Felise Kaufusi who cut an anxious figure at hometown Bundaberg before his NRL judiciary appearance on Tuesday night.

In the end he was given the green light to play the opener after being found not guilty of tripping Brisbane's Jake Turpin late in the Storm's NRL last round rout of the Broncos.

Still yet another twist emerged when the team attended a luncheon at the Bundaberg Multi-Plex Convention Centre following a street parade mingling with star-struck locals.

A good time was had by all until the impersonator's fireworks finale set off the building's fire alarms and forced the team's entire entourage of players, staff and past greats such as Johnathan Thurston outside along with bemused punters.

In the end the Maroons handled the short-lived drama with aplomb and Cherry-Evans expected more of the same from his in the Origin I lead-up, backing them to be up for the challenge in the opener no matter what their 17.

Asked if the injury and judiciary issues had been a distraction, Cherry-Evans told NRL.com: "We will be right.

"We've got a squad and everyone is really happy with where the squad is at and the people who are in it.

"So it won't be left too late in the week (on player availability), everyone will know soon enough who is playing where and who is available.

"It won't be too much of a distraction. We've still got plenty of time."

Queensland coach Paul Green has given his injury concerns until the weekend to prove their fitness.

Hooker Harry Grant (hamstring) has already given himself the green light while Ponga is quietly confident.

Ponga may even slot into the halves with Cherry-Evans if five-eighth Munster is ruled out, with winger Valentine Holmes expected to become the new No.1.

It seemed nothing could wipe the smile off Kaufusi's face after enjoying a hero's return at Bundaberg's Fan Day.

But Kaufusi's joy quickly turned to anxiety away from his hometown crowd when asked about his looming NRL judiciary appearance, saying he feared he would "let the state down" if suspended.

"I have a bit of a nervous wait on my hands," Kaufusi said.

"It [playing Origin I] means a lot. There is a lot on the line. To miss a game let alone an Origin means a lot to me obviously and the team as well.

"Personally I don't want to let the state down. I will be doing my best to get off."

Kaufusi achieved his aim which would no doubt have gone down a treat at Bundaberg where the Fan Day returned with a bang after being scrapped last year due to COVID-19.

Hundreds of fans formed a guard of honour to welcome the Maroons at the airport before players were met by thousands at the showgrounds.

It was extra special for Bundaberg Brothers junior Kaufusi with his family including children – seven-month-old Indiana, two-year-old Orlando and Atarah, aged four – also making the trip to see dad celebrated.

"I was pretty emotional to be honest. I think they [children] are old enough to understand – it's nice to have them around," said Kaufusi.

"Coming off the plane there was a guard of honour, just seeing the kids' faces and what it meant to them meant a lot.

"I saw a few Bundaberg Brothers juniors going around. It brought back some good memories.

"Giving back to the community feels good. It humbles us. We know who we are playing for."

Cherry-Evans was also grinning ear to ear on Tuesday – and not just because of his adoring fans.

He was still buzzing from the confirmation that game one would be relocated from the MCG to Townsville's Queensland Country Bank Stadium, despite some complaints from south of the Tweed.

"We have never done it before so it is a bit of an unknown but I am really happy with the decision," he said.

"It might not happen again. It is a really special game. It is great for the growth of the game."

Asked about Origin I's move to Townsville, Kaufusi joked: "I am so disappointed to be honest.

"No, I did my under-20s up there so I know what it means to them."

 

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