The New South Wales rugby league side has no concerns over the fitness of Warriors forward Ryan Hoffman ahead of the opening State of Origin game despite the veteran being knocked out in two of his past three NRL matches.
A concussed Warriors forward Ryan Hoffman leaves the field. Photo: Photosport
31-year-old Hoffman was knocked out playing for the Warriors against the Gold Coast on April 25th and again on the weekend when he knocked heads with Eels hooker Nathan Peats.
Both New South Wales and Warriors medical staff have cleared Hoffman to continue playing and the experienced Origin campaigner has no concerns about locking horns with Queensland against next week.
"My head is fine, I've just had a couple of bad luck things happen," Hoffman said.
"But I've been through all of the medical testing with the doc.
"If there was anything I'd be concerned about it, I'd bring it up with the docs but there's been nothing that's bothered me."
This year's series is the first time the new concussion laws will be tested in the Origin arena.
And while in the past some rules have been abandoned in big matches, Hoffman said it was imperative the NRL kept its stance in relation to player welfare.
"We've had to abide by them this year in the NRL and you can't just chop and change rules for Origin, especially when it comes to players' health and wellbeing," he said.
"I certainly applaud the NRL for the rules they've brought in. I think they're working.
"Back way back then there might've been a chance where I might've gone back on on the weekend if I thought I was right.
"But the rules there work. I wanted to go back on, but the doc kept me off and that's probably the reason why I will be right to play Origin next week."
