League: Doctor says Tahu will be fit for Origin

Timana Tahu last played for the Blues in 2006. Photo / Getty Images

Parramatta doctor Steve McNamara is confident Timana Tahu will be fit to take his place in the NSW side to play Queensland next week.

The Eels star, who was named at right centre for the State of Origin opener in Sydney next Wednesday, limped off the field after his side's 19-12 win over Manly with an ankle injury.

And although Tahu walked into the media room with the joint wrapped in ice, McNamara said he was in no danger of failing a medical today when the team meet up at ANZ Stadium.

"He's had it for a few weeks, it is impingement on his ankle ... which is like a jarring of the joint," McNamara said.

"It is stretched tendons down the back of the ankle, it will settle down, he has done it every week for the last three weeks and we have been nursing him through it.

"We speak to the medical staff with the Blues regularly and I have no doubts he will get through a medical, especially with a nine-day break."

Tahu, 29, who only returned to the NRL this season after a two-year stint in rugby, admitted he was surprised to be named in the team and thought the selectors may go for a younger option.

"I am very happy to be called up, it is an honour, probably something I wasn't expecting this year, my main goal was to play good football for my team and if rep football came up it was a bonus.

"There are a lot of good young centres out there and I thought they may go for one of the younger generation.

"I played for Country and that was a highlight, but playing for the Blues again is an honour and I can't wait."

Tahu also believes young Bulldogs giant Jamal Idris will cope with the step up to Origin and said his form in the Country side's win over City, was a good form guide.

"I think he will go really well, he is strong, did well in Country and will do a job, he is a really good player."

Manly's Jamie Lyon, who was named at five-eighth for the Blues, said he was confident he would be able to make the adjustment from centre to play at the scrumbase with halfback Brett Kimmorley

"I am happy to play there, happy to get picked, it is always massive Origin," Lyon said.

"It is a little bit different from the centres, there will be a lot more of defence, but it won't worry me, I have played a fair bit of five-eighth in my time."

NSW
Kurt Gidley (capt), Brett Morris, Matt Cooper, Timana Tahu, Jarryd Hayne, Jamie Lyon, Brett Kimmorley, Michael Weyman, Michael Ennis, Josh Perry, Trent Waterhouse, Ben Creagh, Anthony Watmough.

Interchange: Jamal Idris, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Luke Lewis, Brett White.

- AAP