Casey McLean has been ruled out of the second State of Origin match after suffering a fresh leg injury at NSW training ahead of game two.
Uncapped code-hopper Mark Nawaqanitawase is a leading contender to come into the team for Wednesday’s clash at the MCG.
The Blues are set to announce McLean’s replacement imminently.
McLean went down in the warm-up on Saturday at Central Coast Stadium, where the Blues were holding their final session before flying to Melbourne later that day.
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A handful of team staff attended to the Penrith left centre, who came into camp after suffering a minor ankle injury against Wests Tigers last Sunday.
But it is understood the 20-year-old went down with a separate quadriceps issue at training, taking no further part in drills.
It’s a devastating blow for rising star McLean, who was electric in his Origin debut from the bench in the Blues’ game-one win.
