Manly duo Tolu Koula and Haumole Olakau'atu have taken a big step towards retaining their spots in the NSW Origin team after impressing in their side's victory over the Rabbitohs.
Koula made his debut in the series opener at Accor Stadium before he was knocked out by a Kalyn Ponga shoulder charge midway through the second half.
The outside back received clearance from an independent doctor to take his place in the Sea Eagles' side on Thursday night and got through the night unscathed.
Olakau'atu starred for Manly in the 28-14 win over South Sydney, running for 266 metres and terrorising the Rabbitohs defence.
Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs - Round 14, 2026
The edge forward left the field in the final minute of the match but Sea Eagles coach Kieran Foran said it was simply cramping.
"It was just cramps," Foran said post-game. "He's had a big month, Haumole. His game tonight was outstanding.
"We didn't want to risk him there with a couple of minutes to go so got him off the field."
Bunnies skipper Cameron Murray also got through the game as he looks to retain his place in the Blues side.
NSW coach Laurie Daley will name his team for Game Two on Monday night following the conclusion of Canterbury's King's Birthday clash with the Eels.
Queensland are expected to unveil their side on Monday morning before they head into camp and start preparations for the clash at the MCG on Wednesday June 17.
NRL.com will keep you updated on any injury or judiciary news involving Origin contenders.
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 2 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Mitchell Moses (NSW)
The Blues five-eighth is racing the clock to be fit for Game Two after injuring his hamstring just two days before the series opener. Coach Laurie Daley has suggested the playmaker will come straight back into the side if healthy.
Moses will miss Parramatta's clash with the Bulldogs on Monday afternoon and will need to be able to train from Wednesday if he is to take his place in the NSW team.
Ethan Strange will retain the No.6 jumper if Moses falls short in his recovery from injury.
Ethan Strange Try
Pat Carrigan (Queensland)
Queensland have been dealt a blow with veteran forward Pat Carrigan undergoing surgery for an ankle injury suffered in last week's loss to the Dragons.
The lock is facing six weeks on the sidelines, ruling him out of Game Two and making it highly unlikely he will be available for the third match of the series.
Brisbane and Queensland teammate Gehamat Shibasaki will also miss the match at the MCG after suffering a Grade 2 MCL injury that will keep him out of action for 5-6 weeks.
Stephen Crichton (NSW)
The Bulldogs centre reaggravated a shoulder injury in last week's loss to the Tigers. Crichton has battled the AC-joint issue since his side's Good Friday loss to the Rabbitohs.
The centre nursed the injury through the Blues lead-in to Game One and was on restricted duties early in the camp before taking his place at Accor Stadium.
Crichton has also been restricted at training this week but Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo is hopeful he will take his place in the team on Monday afternoon.
"A bit more hopeful on him," Ciraldo told reporters on Thursday.
"Our team's really unknown at this stage, we're probably very lucky we're playing on Monday."
The news is less positive for Bulldogs teammate Jacob Kiraz, who emerged as an outside contender for a Blues spot this week.
The outside back injured his calf in the warm-up last week before bravely playing through the pain. Ciraldo rated him a "50-50" chance to play against the Eels.
A record crowd is set to pack into the MCG for Game Two of the State of Origin series. Tickets are selling fast, so click here to get yours before they sell out.
