NSW coach Brad Fittler remains hopeful prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard can overcome a jaw injury for next Sunday’s second State of Origin at ANZ Stadium.
How long that hope lasts though, remains to be seen.
The Penrith front-rower will undergo scans on Saturday morning to determine if he has broken his jaw as suspected, following Penrith’s loss to the Sydney Roosters on Friday night.
The 24-year-old left the field during the first half and did not return, after copping the shoulder of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in a legal hit after it had bounced up off his own chest.
Penrith medicos immediately feared the worse, but Fittler – who was at the game and spoke to Campbell-Gillard – will still hanging onto some small chance his starting prop would be fit.
“The one thing the doctor did say is that he can close his jaw,” Fittler told the Nine Network.
“I’ve spoke to Reagan twice now and he’s said it hasn’t moved yet, and apparently that’s a good sign.
“He said it is very very sore, and the doctor did say he thinks there’s some kind of damage.
“I think you can have a sore jaw without it being broken, I’m just crossing my fingers for him.
“He’s finding it hard to talk and he’s mumbling a bit. Once again there is most probably a bit of fright involved as well.”
Campbell-Gillard’s injury was just one in what turned into a dramatic Friday night of NRL action just nine days before the crunch Sydney clash.
Blues teammate Latrell Mitchell injured his neck in the same game, but there are real hopes he may only be stiff for a couple of days.
Five-eighth James Maloney was also limping late, but claimed after the game it was a sciatic nerve and it wouldn’t be a long-term problem.
Meanwhile, Queensland also copped problems in the form of Michael Morgan (bicep) and Dylan Napa (ankle), while hopeful veteran Matt Scott didn’t play for North Queensland.
Ryan James would be the likely favourite after he almost earned selection for Game I if Campbell-Gillard is ruled out, after he’d originally been told to prepare to be picked for Game I.
“One thing he does do really well, his attention to detail is fantastic,” Fittler said of James.
“A lot of people question other parts of his game, but when you watch him he I a really educated footballer.
” He does a lot of work, scores a lot of tries. I’ve liked watching him.”
Aaron Woods and Trent Merrin would also be hopeful of recalls, while Tariq Sims would be an outside chance if Fittler instituted a pack reshuffle.