Dylan Napa remains a chance of running out for Queensland in next Sunday’s must-win State of Origin clash after being cleared of a serious ankle injury.
Scans confirmed on Saturday that Napa had aggravated a previous injury, as he sustained minor ligament damage when his left ankle was twisted in a tackle in a tackle on Friday night.
The Sydney Roosters prop left the field early in their brutal win over Penrith and did not return.
However Saturday’s diagnosis leaves him some chance to prove his fitness, with eight days to prove his fitness ahead of the ANZ Stadium match.
Napa is of serious importance to the Maroons, given Matt Scott’s chances of a recall took a hit when he missed North Queensland’s loss to the Warriors with back and neck concerns.
Melbourne’s Tim Glasby would also shape as a likely replacement, given his name was mentioned by Maroons coach Kevin Walters after game one.
Meanwhile, Queensland officials are still waiting on scans on Michael Morgan’s injured bicep, which could open the door for Newcastle livewire Kalyn Ponga to make his Origin debut.
Morgan was injured trying to tackle a runaway Roger Tuivasa-Sheck during Friday night’s loss in Townsville, with the club unsure of the full extent of the injury.
Morgan deputised for veteran ace Billy Slater in Queensland’s series-opening loss in Melbourne, and the Maroons are hopeful the Storm fullback will return for the June 24 return clash.
However, Slater this week withdrew from Melbourne’s match against the Knights on Sunday as he continues to battle a hamstring strain, meaning he will have to come into Origin II without having played for more than a month.
Greg Inglis and Valentine Holmes also shape as other potential fullbacks, although 20-year-old Ponga is seen as a long-term option in the spot.
“We’ve got some options there,” Walters told Fox Sports on Friday night.
“Kalyn Ponga is one guy everyone’s been talking about, they’re similar style players.
“Michael did very well for us in Game I down at the MCG.
“We’ve got some work to do, the Maroons, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.”