Nine stars injured, are Blues cursed?

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THEY say you make your own luck in life. Well, try telling that to NSW coach Laurie Daley.

With just three weeks until he names his side to tackle Queensland in the opening State of Origin game on May 28, the Blues are facing an injury crisis.

There are an incredible nine Blues stars currently sidelined through injury, putting NSW straight behind the eight ball in what is already a mammoth task to try and end Queensland's eight-year Origin reign.

MORE BIG CASUALTIES FOR COUNTRY

Manly's Glenn Stewart will be out for six weeks with an ankle injury. Source: News Corp Australia

You could just about name an entire side from NSW players laid-up in the injury ward.

Trent Merrin (thumb), Josh Dugan (ankle), Glenn Stewart (ankle), James Maloney (shoulder), Jarryd Hayne (shoulder), Todd Carney (hamstring), Luke Lewis (shoulder), Robbie Farah (dislocated elbow) and Michael Jennings (ankle) are all in doubt for the Suncorp Stadium clash.

The positions that are worst hit are fullback, five-eighth, prop, second-row, hooker and centre.

Merrin and Dugan withdrew from the Country side while Manly revealed Stewart will undergo surgery and miss the next six weeks of football.

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Nearly all those players — worth a combined total of about $6m — competed in last year's Origin series.

The injuries have left Daley wondering where the luck is when he needs it.

Queensland seem to be sailing along smoothly as always and don't have any injury concerns although Sam Thaiday (calf) did withdraw from Friday night's Test. He will be fine for Origin I.

Stewart sustained the injury early in Manly's 54-18 win over Canberra last Sunday at Brookvale. He left the field but returned in the second half and finished the game.

Manly officials are hopeful Stewart may return early but he will certainly miss Origin I. Daley has always been a huge fan of Stewart.

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Dragon's Trent Merrin will miss the City-Country clash with a thumb injury. Source: News Corp Australia

Dugan and Merrin now miss a golden chance to push for Origin selection through the City-Country game this Sunday in Dubbo.

"These things can happen," Daley told The Daily Telegraph. "It's not ideal but whoever pulls on the Blues jumper will wear it with pride and passion.

"They know it is an honour to play for NSW.

"We will give it our best shot, no matter who is in the side.

"It is disappointing for the players in contention who have collected injuries at this time of year."

Daley said the injured players won't be forgotten.

Tigers Robbie Farah is in doubt with an elbow injury. Source: Supplied

"It is a long series and anything can happen," he said.

"The injured players have to get back fit and get back on the paddock as quickly as they can."

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Daley had a rough idea of his team for the opening game but it continues to change with each injury.

Despite the setbacks, Daley remains upbeat about his team's chances.

Meanwhile, in another blow for Manly, skipper Jamie Lyon has a knee injury and will miss the club's next match against Melbourne at AAMP Park.

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Lyon injured himself just after half-time against the Raiders. Officials claim the injury is "minor" but he could miss two games.

"It's not ideal but we'll just have to deal with it," Manly coach Geoff Toovey.

"It's probably fortunate we've got the (representative) break this week, even though we've got a few players in action."