Concerns arise for NSW coach Laurie Daley as he deals with the lineup for the Blues's spine, following Mitchell Moses's ongoing hamstring injury.
Moses was unable to participate in the State of Origin series opener versus Queensland, which saw the Blues triumph 22-20 in Sydney, due to a minor strain he obtained during the team's second-to-last training session.
Before Daley finalizes his roster for Origin II, Moses's unavailability means he won't play any matches.
The Parramatta team list for the King's Birthday match against Canterbury on Monday did not include Moses.
Daley has expressed his appreciation for Moses's long kicking skills and maintains that if the Eels captain can demonstrate his readiness, he will secure a position in the Origin II squad.
The second installment of the series is scheduled to take place at the MCG on June 17.
In Origin I, Moses was replaced by Ethan Strange from Canberra in the Blues's lineup.
While Moses's absence is notable, the return of several of Daley's top players to the NRL helps mitigate the situation.
Manly will see Tolu Koula back in action against South Sydney on Thursday after receiving NRL clearance post his concussion from Origin I, alongside Haumole Olakau'atu.