The NSW Blues have been compelled to make a change just two hours after announcing their squad for Game 2 of the State of Origin series.
Reports indicate that Stephen Crichton has been ruled out of the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Crichton has faced fitness issues throughout the year; he played in Game 1 but struggled with ball handling.
Regardless of his performance and the struggles of the Canterbury Bulldogs, he was included in the Game 2 squad when head coach Laurie Daley revealed a 21-man roster in alphabetical order on Monday evening.
Notably, Crichton participated in the Bulldogs' last match, which concluded just an hour before the squad announcement.
View both State of Origin Game 2 teams here
It is understood that Sydney Roosters' Mark Nawaqanitawase, who recently returned from a syndesmosis injury, will be brought into the camp, with Casey McLean likely to take a starting position.
McLean was included on the six-man bench during Game 1 and made an impact after entering the game with 20 minutes remaining, stepping up for the Blues after Tolutau Koula suffered a concussion simultaneously as Kalyn Ponga was sent off.
His strong performance raised questions about whether he should be starting in Game 2, and it seems that he will now be given that opportunity.
The Blues have additional concerns regarding their starting lineup, with Payne Haas set to return, and Mitchell Moses named despite not being fit enough to play with the Eels on Monday.