Ben Hunt’s hopes of a starting State of Origin spot for Queensland have risen after being cleared of a serious shoulder injury.

The St George Illawarra star has emerged as a genuine option for the Maroons’ No.9 spot after leading candidate Jake Friend ruptured his bicep but picked up a shoulder contusion in Thursday’s loss to the Sydney Roosters.

“Given the 10-day turnaround at the Dragons’ disposal, it is anticipated Hunt will be fit to play the Parramatta Eels at Bankwest Stadium next weekend,” the Dragons said on Saturday.