A number of Warriors players were told to pack extra clothes for Magic Round on the chance they may get the call-up for the State of Origin opener.
The Daily Telegraph reported NSW Origin contenders Mitchell Barnett, Jackson Ford and Wayde Egan were informed by NSWRL officials before flying to Brisbane to pack extra luggage.
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Meanwhile, Queensland hopeful Kurt Capewell was also told to pack extra luggage.
Barnett and Ford are a good chance to make the Blues forward pack rotation, while Egan is considered a back-up if Reece Robson and Blayke Brailey go down, but based on his stunning form he could be a massive Blues bolter.
Capewell is an incumbent second-rower and looks set to be included in the squad somewhere after injuries to contenders David Fifita and Jeremiah Nanai.
Turning 33 in July, Capewell has been in strong form for the second placed Warriors and given his versatility looks set to earn a spot in Billy Slater’s team.
Interestingly Tanah Boyd was snubbed by Queensland officials after not being told to pack extra gear, despite the loss of Tom Dearden for the series to an ankle injury.
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Wayde Egan is a bolter for the Blues at hooker.Source: Getty Images
KIWIS STAR SET TO MAKE HISTORY WITH MAROONS DEBUT
The new Origin eligibility laws are set to see New Zealand veteran Briton Nikora earn a Queensland debut when the team is read out on Monday.
The Courier Mail reported Nikora is on the verge of being called up to Slater’s squad for State of Origin I, as he looks to profit from the eligibility shake-up.
Sharks teammate Addin Fonua-Blake is firming for a role with the NSW Blues, but Nikora looks set to earn a place in the Maroons side opposite his club mate.
Briton NikoraSource: Getty Images
Nikora has been in hot form this season, while Maroons contenders Jeremiah Nanai and David Fifita are out injured.
The 28-year-old has played 16 Tests for the Kiwis, but is now also eligible for Queensland after moving to the state with his family at age 10.
Slater is reportedly a huge fan of Nikora and his ability as a hole runner on the edge.