Big blow for NSW as stalwart ruled out of series

An ankle injury has ruled Knights powerhouse Tyson Frizell out of the State of Origin series in a major blow for Brad Fittler's NSW Blues.

Frizell had already been put on ice for the series-opener next Wednesday in Townsville after suffering an injury in the dying minutes of Sunday's final match of Round 13.

That saw Fittler name Panthers bolter Liam Martin when he announced his squad later that night, and it appears the 24-year-old has a chance to lock down his spot after Frizell was ruled out for the series today.

Frizell will require immediate surgery on his ankle which is expected to keep him from the field for at least six weeks.

It's just the latest injury blow for the Knights who will sweat on the fitness of Kalyn Ponga who was earlier today ruled out of the Origin opener with a groin injury.

Mitchell Pearce is also still sidelined with a serious pectoral tear.

https://twitter.com/nrlphysio/status/1399918099546005510https://twitter.com/nrlphysio/status/1398913137722621957

MORE TO COME.

from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/state-of-origin-tyson-frizell-ruled-out-nsw-blues-ankle-surgery-injury/9cce1445-06b2-4dba-97c1-d7457ecc589d