Keary departs Blues camp as Papenhuyzen misses out for decider
Luke Keary has been granted his wish to leave NSW Origin camp while Ryan Papenhuyzen will need to wait another year to make his Blues debut.
Sydney Roosters playmaker Keary was omitted from the 21-man squad for Wednesday night's Suncorp Stadium blockbuster, and was understood to have asked coach Brad Fittler for the early mark over the weekend.
It has been a long year for many of the players forced to live in a biosecurity bubble, and Blues officials had no issues allowing Keary to be with his young family given he was no chance to feature in the final clash with Queensland. Prop Regan Campbell-Gillard, who has not featured in any match squads, was also granted permission to break camp.
Fittler predicted before this year's series that some players would struggle with entering a second post-season bubble.
Keary, who the Maroons claimed as one of their own before the series, started in the No. 6 jersey for game one in Adelaide before being dropped for Cody Walker. He was listed as the No.18 in Sydney before dropping out altogether when the final team sheet was named on Friday.
Should there be an injury to Walker or halfback Nathan Cleary in the next 36 hours, the Blues know they have Jarome Luai still in the squad, while Dally M medallist Jack Wighton can play five-eighth and Stephen Crichton can cover in the centres.
Brad Fittler had no qualms about letting Keary leave to be with his young family.Credit:NSWRL
Roosters skipper Boyd Cordner left camp after game one because of his latest concussion, while Cameron Murray also departed because of a hamstring injury he suffered in the 18-14 game-one loss.
Meanwhile, Ryan Papenhuyzen has been told he will not make the Blues' final 17. The Storm fullback had been named 18th man and had hoped to break into the squad for an Origin debut.
"Freddy said he'll stay with the 17 named and he said I'll get my chance at some point,'' Papenhuyzen told the Herald. "There are no hard feelings. The boys played really well last week. It's just been awesome to come into camp and share the field with the boys here.
"'Friz' [Tyson Frizell] got up last night and spoke to the team about little strokes of luck you get and taking your opportunities, and that's what the boys did last Wednesday - they played really good footy, which means I don't get my chance this week.
"I'm still stoked to be a part of this squad and stoked to get the chance to warm-up with the boys as 18th man. I'll be happy if we get the win.''
Christian covers rugby league for The Sydney Morning Herald.