Newcastle's Mitchell Pearce has been ruled out of Origin II due to injury.
Blues coach Brad Fittler told the Sunday Footy Show that the 30-year old suffered a cork against Melbourne.
“He has a cork against the Storm and there was basically not enough time to get him right for next Sunday,” Fittler said.
“I spoke to him last night and I knew he had a cork, but speaking to him this morning he will be unavailable, so it is a bit of a shame.”
It was being widely reported that Pearce would be named in the Blues' halves alongside Nathan Cleary for game two, but now, Fittler will have to look elsewhere.
Cody Walker, Jack Wighton and James Maloney are considered the frontrunners to be get the call up with Pearce out.
Earlier on Sunday, Payne Haas (hamstring) was ruled out of game two, joining Nick Cotric (ankle) and David Klemmer (wrist) on the sidelines.
The Blues and Maroons will announce their sides at 6pm tonight.
