Wayne Bennett says the loss of Gold Coast prop Tino Fa'asuamaleaui to a season-ending knee injury is a blow for Queensland but he's backed Dolphins firebrand Thomas Flegler to lift and help fill the void.
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Fa'asuamaleaui and Dolphins lock Tom Gilbert, both with anterior cruciate ligament injuries, won't play for the Maroons this year in State of Origin.
The availability of tough South Sydney middle forward Jai Arrow (shoulder) is yet to be determined.
North Queensland second-rower Heilum Luki has not played for Queensland yet but was named in the pre-season squad. Luki is out of action with a syndesmosis injury until round nine.
Flegler, who has played just three games for the Maroons, got his first starting Origin berth in game two of last year's series before an injured foot kept him out of game three.
The 24-year-old is ready to take the next step for his state and Bennett has backed him.
"I am sure Tom is going to have to,' Bennett said.
"It's not just Tino. There are three or four Queensland players that won't be available so he will have to stand up, but he will."
Bennett was Maroons coach in 2020 when he brought Fa'asuamaleaui in for his first Origin series. He has since played 12 games for Queensland in a row, winning three series and becoming one of the best starting props in the game.
His absence will be felt.
"We tried to recruit Tino here (at the Dolphins). He is one of the first players we went after," Bennett said.
"I have always had a high opinion of him. I tried to get him to the Broncos when he was 17. I have followed his career extensively and I have enjoyed working with him. He is a big loss (for Queensland) but we have all taken our losses. We just have to get on with it."
Maroons selector Darren Lockyer can envisage Flegler stepping up.
"Tom had a great year last year under Kevvie Walters. He matured a lot and he will mature even more under Wayne," Lockyer said.
"Tom has been there and has played for Queensland. I am sure if he gets the jersey he won't let his state down.
"It is not ideal having a couple of injuries. One door closes for a couple of key players for us but another door opens for some others.
"I know (coach) Billy Slater has been out there having some conversations with those guys already. Whoever gets the jersey will deserve it and they will step up."
Bennett showed how highly he rated Flegler by going hard for the former Brisbane front-rower and signing him on a lucrative four-year deal.
Flegler has started the season strongly and will be a vital cog in the round-four clash with Gold Coast on Saturday night.
"I had him at the Broncos when he was a lot younger. I have always had a lot of time for him and like what he brings," Bennett said.
"He has fitted in well here and I think he is enjoying himself."
Australian Associated Press
