The Parramatta Eels are optimistic about Mitchell Moses's fitness ahead of State of Origin Game II, as the team manages his recovery closely.
Initially set to start at five-eighth for Origin I, Moses experienced a hamstring issue during the Blues' last training session and was subsequently replaced by Ethan Strange.
Strange had an impressive debut, helping the Blues secure a narrow 22-20 victory in Sydney, allowing them to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
While Moses will miss the upcoming match against Newcastle, Eels coach Jason Ryles remains hopeful that he will return for the clash against Canterbury the following Monday.
Blues coach Laurie Daley plans to announce his squad for Game II in Melbourne on June 17, following the Eels' game against the Bulldogs, and has expressed intentions to include Moses.
However, if Moses is unable to participate for Parramatta, Daley might have to reassess his selections.
"It's quite minor actually … I don't think it'll be too long so we'll just see how he progresses this week with his rehab," Ryles mentioned on Friday.
"(He could play against the Bulldogs) at a pinch. I'm not sure what Loz has in mind … that's up to Laurie."
"Whatever they decide to do, there's some good options there obviously, Mitchell and Nathan (Cleary) are two elite halves and the young kid Strange did really well, so it's a good problem to have."