NSW forward Ben Creagh is convinced the Blues will recall Manly back-rower Anthony Watmough for State of Origin II as they seek to send the series to a decider in Brisbane.
Watmough was controversially overlooked for Origin I in Melbourne, with Blues coach Ricky Stuart claiming doubts over the fiery Sea Eagle’s injured shoulder and the make-up of the NSW bench as key reasons for his omission.
The shoulder remains an issue with Watmough again struggling with the injury against St George Illawarra on Friday night, but Creagh claims the unavailability of Tony Williams due to a back injury should result in Stuart taking a punt on Watmough in the team announced on Sunday.
“100 per cent he will (be picked), he’ll definitely be playing,” Creagh told AAP of Watmough.
“He was disappointed to miss out on game one but I’m sure he’ll be selected on Sunday.
“He’s been playing great all season, I don’t think there’s ever been a question about his form or how he’s playing.”
While the return of Watmough for Williams seems all but certain, the remainder of the bench is nowhere near as clear.
Manly utility Jamie Buhrer could be a selection casualty after being given little chance to make an impact in the series-opening loss to Queensland.
Stuart is believed to be toying with the idea of matching the Maroons’ size on the bench by bringing in another big man such as Wests Tigers youngster Aaron Woods – who was 18th man in Melbourne – or his Tigers teammate Keith Galloway.
Canberra prop Tom Learoyd-Lahrs could make a late play for a berth up against Galloway and Woods in Saturday’s NRL match in the nation’s capital, while a bye is likely to count against Penrith’s Tim Grant putting his hand up for selection.
Stuart could be saved from making the decision to cut Buhrer, who will undergo scans after leaving the field with a back injury against the Dragons.
Despite quiet game one performances, Dragons duo Creagh and Trent Merrin should retain their spots, with Creagh admitting he was still coming to grips with the role expected of him at Origin level where he is used as another prop.
“That’s where I played tonight,” Creagh said after Friday night’s loss to Manly.
“I played the for the Dragons, it’s a little bit different to playing left edge but I enjoyed the chance to play in there.
“It’s still a bit new to me, still getting used to it.”
Only injuries are likely to result in a change to the starting side, with halves Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce to be given another chance to build on their rusty combination from game one.
Possible NSW team: Brett Stewart, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Josh Morris, Akuila Uate, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Paul Gallen (capt), Robbie Farah, James Tamou, Glenn Stewart, Greg Bird, Luke Lewis. Interchange: Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Ben Creagh, Trent Merrin, Anthony Watmough.