Jack de Belin wants to ditch the weekly pain-killing injections that have kept him in the hunt for a maiden State of Origin jumper, insisting his delicate hip-pointer problem has improved dramatically in recent weeks.
Having reverted to a weekly pre-game needle to stay on the park for the Dragons – and in the frame for a NSW debut – the St George Illawarra enforcer has spoken about his desire to suit up for the Blues without a jab to numb the discomfort.
No pain, no gain: Jack de Belin takes a hit-up in the loss to the Panthers.
Photo: AAP
De Belin grimaced and stumbled from the field late in the heavy loss to the Panthers on Saturday night, sparking fears he would be in doubt for the Melbourne Cricket Ground opener on June 6.
He is expected to be named in Brad Fittler's first NSW squad when its announced on Monday night.
Asked whether he would make his Origin debut without the help of a pain-killing injection, de Belin said: "I was kind of tossing up [on Saturday night] whether to get a needle or not, but there was still a little bit of pain there and I didn't want to risk it and do it again.
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"At the back end there, the needle was starting to wear off a bit and maybe that was why the pain was a little bit [worse] than initially thought. I think it was just more scary than anything getting a knock on it again when I thought it was coming good.
I didn't want to risk it and wanted to put in a good performance to stick in the selectors' minds.
Jack de Belin
"It's definitely feeling better than when I initially did it, and I was pretty close to playing [against the Panthers] without a needle. I didn't want to risk it and wanted to put in a good performance to stick in the selectors' minds."
The Cootamundra product was one of two injury concerns for the Dragons' projected Origin representatives, the other being halfback Ben Hunt, who failed to finish the Panthers clash after a cork to his quadriceps.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters met Hunt outside the Panthers Stadium sheds for an update on his injury, which prevented him from playing the final 35 minutes as the Dragons surrendered top spot to the Panthers on percentage.
Ironically, Hunt's cork was caused by some friendly fire from de Belin.
"I knew it was just a bad cork straight away," Hunt said. "You do think the worst. When I got out [after half-time] I couldnt really run properly. The coaches realised that and got me off.
"Im extremely anxious. This has been the biggest opportunity Ive had to get that [ Origin halfback] position. I feel Ive played pretty well to start the year and put my hand up. I would be honoured to be in the team anywhere."
St George Illawarra's deflating loss at the foot of the mountains should do little to deter Fittler's enthusiasm for the long-time competition pacesetters, who made up the bulk of a stellar cast in an 11th-hour NSW audition against the Panthers.
"What is it – we've played 12 rounds now – you'd be silly to pick the team off one game the week going into Origin," de Belin said. "The work's already been done. We've done everything we can to put our hands up and play Origin, and all of us have said we've wanted to play.
"It's up to Freddy and the selectors, but if we do get chosen it will be a great honour and achievement."
Adam Pengilly is a Sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.
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