As another week passes in the NRL, fresh injury woes have emerged, striking hard at the NSW Blues and Sydney Roosters.
Winger Mark Nawaqanitawase underwent surgery for a syndesmosis injury, while standout second-rower Angus Crichton is facing an MCL sprain.
Laurie Daley is likely counting down the days until he can finalize his squad to address the players sidelined before Game 1 on May 27.
Further complicating matters are Tom Trbojevic's recent hamstring issue and Jacob Kiraz's MCL injury, both keeping these key outside backs unavailable until after Game 1.
This situation has unexpectedly boosted the chances of a seasoned veteran returning to the flank for the Blues.
Josh Addo-Carr, who last took the field for Origin in 2023, has been performing well for the Parramatta Eels and remains hopeful about making a comeback.
"I'm always thinking about it," Addo-Carr shared with the media.
"Those are the teams you want to be in. That's the pinnacle of rugby league, Origin and playing for Australia."
"If that opportunity comes up, I will definitely take it with both hands but my sole focus right now is playing good footy for Parramatta and trying to help these young boys here."