Blues blow: Robson in doubt for Cowboys ahead of Origin II

Westpac NSW Blues hooker Reece Robson is racing the clock to play for the Cowboys in Friday night's match against the Storm at AAMI Park.

Robson has been named to travel to Melbourne for the match, but North Queensland coach Todd Payten revealed that he was in doubt - news that could have repercussions for the Blues team to be announced next Monday.

The 26-year-old made 42 tackles in last Wednesday night's 18-6 Origin win over Queensland and backed up for the Cowboys on Saturday against Wests Tigers.

However, Robson came from the field in the 53rd minute with hamstring tightness and Payten said he would need to pass a fitness test before being cleared to play against the Storm.

"He is in some doubt, he has got to get the body moving," Payten said.

"We will just be guided by the medical team and then make a call come the captain's run, but he has got a couple of boxes to tick."

The NSW team will be announced after Monday's Bulldogs-Eels match at Accor Stadium and Blues coach Laurie Daley will be closely monitoring Robson's fitness ahead of Origin II in Perth on June 18.

Sydney Roosters utility Connor Watson is in the Blues squad and replaced Robson for the last 16 minutes of Origin I, while Warriors hooker Wayde Egan and Wests Tigers co-captain Api Koroisau are the other likely options if needed.

Meanwhile, Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi's hopes of returning for Queensland in Origin II have been dashed after he was forced to spend another week on the sidelines with a calf injury.

North Queensland star forward Jason Taumalolo has also delayed his comeback from a calf injury, but Payten said the pair could play in Round 15.

"They just didn't come up to the mark, we need them to get a full week of training under their belt before playing at NRL level and they both weren't there this week," he said.

"Given that was a six day turn off the back of last weekend's game, next week we have got a longer turnaround and we expect them on the pitch Monday, Wednesday and Friday and be right to play next weekend's game against the Dolphins." 

In better news for the Maroons, Broncos fullback Reece Walsh will play his first game since Round 7 in Saturday night's clash with the Titans at Suncorp Stadium after overcoming a knee injury.

Jesse Arthars, who was a non-playing member of the Queensland squad, returns to the wing and Deine Mariner drops out of Brisbane coach Michael Maguire's squad.

In other team news, Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker is set to play his first match for nine months in NSW Cup, while a number of big-name stars will return coming from injury this weekend.

Among them are:

• Rabbitohs pair Cody Walker and Jack Wighton (both calf)
• Sea Eagles forward Jake Trbojevic (concussion)
• Sharks winger Sione Katoa (shoulder)
• Raiders halfback Jamaal Fogarty (groin)

While there is much interest in where Bulldogs recruit Lachlan Galvin would fit into his new team, he was named on an extended bench in jersey No.23 for Monday's match against the Eels at Accor Stadium.

Should Galvin play it is likely to be the biggest game of the former Wests Tigers playmaker's career so far as officials are hoping to break the attendance record for a stand-alone premiership fixture of 65,305 on Easter Friday for the Bulldogs-Rabbitohs clash.

In contrast, Walker is set to play in the relative anonymity of Kellyville Park when he makes his long-awaited return from knee surgery in Sunday's NSW Cup match against Parramatta.

Walker ruptured his ACL in last season's Round 26 match against the Raiders on August 31 and returned to full, unrestricted training a month ago after the Roosters' Round 10 bye.

"It's such a long journey but it's a credit to Sammy, he comes in every day at training every day with his head up high with a positive attitude." Roosters forward Nat Butcher said at the launch of the club's Emergency Services Match on June 22.

"He trains well, trains hard, so we are really looking forward to seeing him back out on the field and playing his best footy."

If Walker makes a successful return in NSW Cup, he could play in the Round 14 NRL match against the Knights, which Butcher and Kiwis prop Naufahu Whyte are also targeting to make their returns from injury.  

"Everyone knows what Sammy can do, since he has debuted - rookie of the year and all of that stuff - so it is going to give the club a big boost," Whyte said.

"He is a talented player, he is confident, he backs himself and in tough positions he is someone you can rely on, so I am looking forward to getting back out there with him, and him leading the team around and showcasing what he can do."