MY ribs seem to have been quite the talking point over the past couple of weeks.

This is now the second consecutive Origin game where I’ve had to carry a similar injury, but leading into this game, it’s pulled up quite okay. I can assure both fans of St George Illawarra and NSW that I’ll be fine.

I had the rib issue heading into game one, but then hurt a different area against the Wests Tigers.

Half the NRL’s probably had rib cartilage problems throughout their career, so it’s nothing serious at all.

I’ve just had to do a little less contact than the others in the first couple of training sessions, but overall, it hasn’t affected my preparation.

Tyson Frizell during NSW State of Origin training at Leichhardt Oval. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia

ORIGIN INDEX: Full stats for every player who’s ever played

More importantly, it definitely hasn’t affected me mentally.

I wouldn’t be going into such a massive game feeling like I’m underdone or not feeling I wouldn’t be able to give 100 per cent. It wouldn’t be fair on the boys who I’m taking the field with.

Honestly, I’ll need a couple of painkilling injections for game two, but it’s part of footy and a lot of players go through that. It’s just part of the game these days.

Rugby league players carry a whole lot of niggles in games.

Take my Dragons teammate Joel Thompson for example.

Jason Nightingale has dubbed him “the toughest man in rugby league”.

The title is a bit of a running joke at the club. Whenever someone’s carrying a little injury the boys and I like to give it to each other when it’s an injury that isn’t big enough to put you out of a game.

Live stream the 2017 NRL Telstra Premiership on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week FOXTEL PLAY trial and start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW!

So far this season, Thommo’s had a few corks and bruises and even split his tongue twice right across.

He’s also got some floating bone in his elbow which has been annoying him too.

It’s pretty uncomfortable for Joel. In fact, his elbow can lock up at any time. He’ll be sweet for a while, then it’ll just lock up and he won’t be able to move it.

Joel Thompson of the Dragons has been dubbed the “toughest man in rugby league”. Source: Getty Images

But it’s just something he’s going to have to look after and manage throughout the season.

He’ll need to have surgery and get it cleaned out at the end of the year, but for now, he’ll battle through it.

While it might seem incredible to fans, it’s just something every player in the NRL has to deal with.

If you were missing games through little injuries, you’d hardly make it to first grade, let alone get through a season.

Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover are joined by Wests Tigers GM of football Kelly Egan to discuss their wave of new recruits and moving on from the big three.

You can also subscribe via iTunes or for Android users, listen on the iPP Podcast Player app.

Finally, a shout out to another teammate in Will Matthews.

Will played his first game in 14 weeks last Saturday after dislocating his hip in the Charity Shield.

A lot of the boys were pretty pumped for him to be able to get back out there and play again.

He was one of the standout blokes in the pre-season so for him to get injured like that in a trial match, it was pretty hard to see.

People haven’t seen the effort he’s put in behind the scenes. He’s been doing everything he can to get back on the paddock.

It’s just great to see Will back and it’s a testament to our coaching staff.