Joey won't play Origin, says Daley

[DeeGan]

Joey won't play Origin, says Daley
By Brent Read
March 11, 2006

FORMER New South Wales captain Laurie Daley, an assistant to Blues coach Graham Murray, does not expect Andrew Johns to further strain on his surgically repaired knee by playing State of Origin this year.

Daley, who had knee problems towards the end of his career, knows what Johns is going through as he prepares to make his premiership return for Newcastle against Parramatta at EnergyAustralia Stadium tonight.

Johns is yet to commit to representative football, adopting a wait-and-see approach with his knee in the early rounds of the competition.

But the Knights captain conceded in January that he was not sure how many games he had left in his knee.

Daley suffered from similar problems towards the end of his stellar career, eventually retiring from representative football in 1999 after 23 games for the Blues.

He played a further season with Canberra in 2000 before calling it quits.

"It's a difficult decision, but the way I see it you'll make a decision based on how long you want to continue in the game rather than a short-term goal of playing Origin once more," Daley said.

"Another three (Origin) games and a Test match, and Test matches at the end of the year, take a toll on your body, especially when your knee has only got so many games in it.

"(Origin is) like playing another 10 games, really.

"He has to weigh up whether he wants to play more representative football or concentrate on his long term and play more for Newcastle."

Johns remains committed to the Knights, revealing this week that he had been off beer for a month as he focused on the club's opening encounter with Parramatta.

He has also been undergoing intensive weekly physiotherapy to ensure he is in peak condition.

Johns will need to make a decision on his representative future before the opening Test of the year, against New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium on May 5.

"It's hard enough at the best of times when you're fit," Daley said.

"When you know you're carrying an injury, and you know every time you run out there you're grinding it down a bit as well ... you have to make some tough calls."

The Australian

Very sad if true - after reading reports in the off-season you have to think Daley is right.

Wiedler reports that Ricky Stuart wants Joey for the ANZAC Test as well as for the Tri-Series even if he misses Origin.

Can't wait to see the MASTER in action tonight.

[Eel 33]

Although Daley may be right, i think he's already starting on "trying" to pump up the hopes of QLD fans. Forget it Daley, we've already seen thru your smokescreen.

[MOPL]

Wonder if he is too busy doing coke ads