Injuries have threatened to overshadow the performances of Ben Barba, Blake Green, Jack Bird, Tom Trbojevic and rookie Gideon Gela-Mosby after the first day of the Auckland Nines.
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A host of players finished the day sidelined with serious concerns surrounding the likes of South Sydney's Alex Johnston and Wests Tigers' Chris Lawrence. The Rabbitohs' already paper thin backline depth is set to be further tested with fears winger Johnston has injured his shoulder joint. He will undergo scans to determine the extent of the injury. Lawrence [hip] and teammates Josh Drinkwater [ankle] and Tyler Cassel [concussion] are in doubt for day two.
The Tigers opted against risking Lawrence, who suffered a career-threatening dislocated hip in 2011, in their second game.
Lawrence played down fears of a serious injury. "It's a little bit sore," he said. "I copped a knee when I was diving on the ball.
"It's nothing too serious. It's one of those things where you get a knock to certain areas. Some areas are more sensitive than others.
"It's like dislocating your shoulder and then getting a cork on your shoulder. They are completely different things."
Brisbane are expected to be without duo Corey Oates [back] and Carlin Anderson [ankle] on day two after Oates failed to start in either of the Broncos matches. Hamstring injuries could end Parramatta's John Folau and St George Illawarra's Yaw Kiti Glymin's tournament.
Rookie Cowboys flyer Gela-Mosby crossed for four tries while Barba enjoyed the extra space on the field with strong back to back performances.
Meanwhile, Parramatta flyer Bevan French revealed a conversation with cousin and former Kangaroos winger Nathan Blacklock on Saturday was the inspiration behind his breakthrough performance.
French joined uncapped rookies including Melbourne Storm outside back Curtis Scott and the Roosters' Joseph Manu who impressed onlookers. French scored the match-winning try to keep Parramatta's finals hopes alive in a two-try performance against the Roosters.
He showed glimpses of the footwork which made Blacklock a record breaking try-scorer. Former livewire Preston Campbell is another of French's cousins.
"I was pretty excited out there," French said. "To get a couple of tries tops it off. I'm pretty confident.
"My first game out here was my first against the big blokes and it takes a little bit to get used to.
"I was talking to Nathan Blacklock last night and this morning. He was telling me just to back myself. That's how he got there. We play the same type of footy. Whatever comes comes.
"I would like to think [coach Brad Arthur] has a little bit of confidence in me bringing me here. This will help my confidence a lot."
