Latrell Mitchell has officially been sidelined for State of Origin III due to a calf injury, delivering a significant setback for NSW's aspirations to clinch the series.
The injury occurred during a training session with South Sydney on Monday, precisely as he aimed to make a comeback from a back problem that had kept him out since round nine.
Medical scans revealed a calf tear, preventing Mitchell from participating in Origin III set to take place at Lang Park on July 8.
He had been optimistic about playing against Parramatta on Thursday, which would have been the Rabbitohs' last fixture before Origin III selections.
This injury compounds the Blues' difficulties following a disappointing 44-24 loss to Queensland during the second match of the series at the MCG last week.
Mitchell, a veteran of 11 Origin matches, was traditionally viewed as a guaranteed starter in the centres when in form.
Kotoni Staggs faced a particularly challenging night in Origin II, and the Blues' other centre, Tolu Koula, has only two appearances for NSW under his belt.
There are still several strong candidates available should the Blues' selectors decide to alter their centre lineup.
One notable option is Canterbury's Stephen Crichton, who made a comeback from a shoulder injury to score the match-winning field goal in the Bulldogs' narrow 13-12 victory over Manly on Saturday night.