Dragons, NSW forward Frizell cleared of rib injury

The powerful forward came from the field in clear distress during St George Illawarra’s win over the Wests Tigers on Saturday and was later taken to hospital for X-rays to determine the extent of a rib injury.’

But after further scans on Monday, Frizell could breathe easier, as he was found not to have serious sternum or rib injuries

“Frizell has been cleared of any serious injury after being taken off during the second half of the Dragons' win over the Wests Tigers on the weekend,” a Dragons statement said. “Frizell will be monitored through the week to determine whether he’ll play on Monday against the Bulldogs.”

After losing 10 of the past 11 years, NSW showed they are ready to smash the Queensland Origin era with a dominant 28-4 victory, their biggest ever at Suncorp Stadium.

Frizell started at lock, making 32 tackles in 53 minutes of game time, with NSW coach Laurie Daley expected to name an unchanged team for Origin II team at ANZ Stadium on June 21.

However, he will carry soreness which could yet keep him from playing against the struggling Bulldogs on Monday afternoon.

“Frizell copped an elbow to his pectoral muscle in the second half against the Wests Tigers,” Dragons high performance manager Nathan Pickworth said on Saturday.

"As he is in a fair bit of pain, we want to send him to the hospital for an x-ray for a possible rib fracture.”

The Dragons are third on the NRL ladder, while the Bulldogs dropped to 14^th after a dismal 38-nil loss to Penrith on Sunday. English international Gareth Widdop starred in the Dragons 16-12 win over the Tigers.