Stephen Crichton has sent a massive scare through the Blues camp, after failing to finish a training session, just over 48 hours ahead of the opening game of the State of Origin series.
The Bulldogs’ skipper limped off the park and was seen with an ice pack on his left thigh.
The Blues are hopeful that it is just a cork and the centre will be fit to take the field on Wednesday night.
Crichton came into the camp already under a cloud and has been on restricted training after playing with a groin injury on the same leg in the Bulldogs’ last NRL game.
South Sydney’s Campbell Graham is on standby to replace Crichton.
Prop Payne Haas also remains uncertain to feature in the Origin opener after testing his injured leg to the side of the team’s first Brisbane session.
The Blues, after a rain-hit week of preparation in NSW, descended on a sun-drenched Ballymore on Monday ahead of Wednesday’s clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos prop Haas, carrying a quadriceps injury suffered against St George Illawarra earlier this month, began the warm-up with his team.
But he was then ushered to the side for specialised fitness drills, testing his ailment before the media were excused.
NSW officials remain confident barnstorming prop Haas will play, with Melbourne prop Stefano Utoikamanu on standby.
“He was able to do most of the stuff,” Blues utility Connor Watson said of Haas.
“He’s super important for us, been one of the main parts of this Origin team … as soon as he started playing first grade.
“(He has had) such a great impact on the game, so powerful, so fit, a real joy to play with.”
– with AAP
