Will Hopoate is expected to miss some NRL football, but the NSW medical staff are confident his shoulder injury isn’t serious.

Hopoate became the second NSW winger in consecutive matches to play through the pain barrier of a shoulder injury and see out the 80 minutes, after Brett Morris’ heroics in game one.

The 22-year-old’s arm was hanging limply by his side for much of the second half, but after some encouraging words from trainer Ron Palmer, Hopoate decided to tough it out.

Hopoate said he was inspired by his Blues teammates who have defied medical opinion across the two matches, determined to throw everything at ending Queensland’s reign.

The jubilation had numbed the pain, but he’ll go for scans on Thursday morning to determine when he can return to the field for the Parramatta Eels.

“There was some treatment (needles) at halftime but I was able to carry on,” Hopoate said.

“The boys were putting their bodies on the line and fighting for the state so I thought I needed to as well.

“(Palmer) was encouraging me to stay mentally strong and put effort in for the boys.”

NSW’s drought-breaking victory at ANZ Stadium means Hopoate is undefeated in his two State of Origin appearances.

His last was back in 2011 when he scored a blistering try, and the man with the midas touch marked a golden return to the game’s biggest arena on Wednesday after his two-year Mormon Missionary.

Hopoate has gradually re-found some of his best form through the first half of the season, but never thought his return to Origin would come so soon.

The young flyer received his call up after injuries to the Morris brothers, and his defence on the right side with Josh Dugan was crucial.

“Never would I have expected this so quickly and to be part of an Origin winning side it’s definitely humbling and I’m very grateful,” he said.

“This truly is a blessing.”