Despite suffering an ankle injury in last Sunday's Origin II, Nathan Cleary is set to be named on an extended bench as the Blues look to give the halfback every chance to prove his fitness.
Cleary was initially scheduled to miss a month of football and therefore the July 10 decider, although NSW advisor Greg Alexander believes he's a chance to take to the field in Origin III.
"I just spoke to our Penrith physio and she's feeling quietly confident about Nathan's chances," Alexander told Triple M on Saturday.
"The swelling has improved. He's diligent in his rehab and he will give himself the best chance.
"She's expecting that he will be able to run by Tuesday and will take it from there.
"I said 'what's your gut feel?' And she said 'I think he could get there'.
"So it all depends on how he is on Tuesday and we'll take it from there. But he's a chance, Nathan."
Alexander confirmed the Blues were likely to name an extended bench on Monday, which would include back-ups for current players battling injury.
Wade Graham impressed in the second half of game two as Cleary's replacement in the halves, and is a chance to be given the starting gig if Cleary doesn't prove his fitness.
"If Nathan doesn't play then there's a bit of thinking to do around who does play in the halves and who comes onto the bench if Wade Graham does start," Alexander added.
Well I hope he ends up sitting on the bench for the whole game.
Worked well for us in game 2.