Blues coach Laurie Daley has shed more light on his possible origin selections.

It comes as New South Wales faces serious injury concerns in their bid to halt Queensland’s seven-year winning streak.

Jon Healy reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Laurie Daley says the Blues’ selection panel is considering a number of possibilities as they attempt to plug holes left in their line-up by injuries to Brett Stewart and Brett Morris.

Souths flyer Nathan Merritt is getting plenty of attention but Daley is also looking at Akuila Uate and Blake Ferguson.

Blue’s Coach, Laurie Daley: “Blake Ferguson is probably a guy that has been on our radar for some time.”

He says Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne is the most likely replacement for injured Manly custodian Brett Stewart.

In AFL news, Essendon players are being investigated by ASADA this week.

But Coach James Hird says his team’s focus is on their game against Geelong, this Saturday.

Essendon coach, James Hird: “We know we’re in for a big fight but it’s an exciting time for the footy club in terms of playing the best team in the competition.”

In North Melbourne, veteran Kangaroo Brent Harvey will return to the line-up, after missing the first six weeks of the season through suspension.

He says training can only get him so fit.

North Melbourne veteran, Brent Harvey: “You don’t get those knocks that you get in the game. So I feel really good and we’l find out a little bit more at 4.40 on Saturday though.”

And Monday, St Kilda play the Blues. Saints coach says his team is excited.

St Kilda coach, Scott Watters: “Monday night, we certainly enjoyed it last year. Getting the opportunity to play on a slightly bigger stage is fantastic for our group.”

Jon Healy, QUT News.