By Steve Jancetic AAP Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:38:24
Injured NSW skipper Kurt Gidley will share the fullback role with understudy Luke Patten when the Blues hold their final training session ahead of Wednesday night's Origin clash in Brisbane.
Gidley has been kept off the training paddock throughout the Blues' Origin III camp due to a rib cartilage complaint, but will have his first ball-work session when NSW have their pre-game run at Suncorp Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Blues custodian will not take part in any contact work however, with NSW medical staff giving his ribs as long as possible to heal ahead of the Origin series finale.
"It's just a thing where you've got to manage it through the week but I'll be right come tomorrow night," Gidley said.
"I can't do any more damage.
"I'm fully confident in what I've done the past two camps and I've still been down on the field and amongst the talk and amongst the players to be confident of what I'm doing on Wednesday night."
Gidley recognised the fact his tender ribs would be a target for Queensland defenders, but was adamant the injury would not change his game plan.
"It's like any injury - you carry an injury into a game you're going to be targeted, that's part of footy I suppose, it's an aggressive contact sport and that all comes with it," Gidley said.
"While ever I can run, I'll be playing footy."
