Ben Hunt's hopes of a starting State of Origin spot for Queensland have spiked after being cleared of a serious shoulder injury.
St George Illawarra announced on Saturday their star halfback had suffered a shoulder contusion in Thursday's NRL loss to the Sydney Roosters.
Hunt had been substituted late in the match, however the Dragons expect to have the Kangaroos representative available next week.
"Given the 10-day turnaround at the Dragons' disposal, it is anticipated Hunt will be fit to play the Parramatta Eels at Bankwest Stadium next weekend," the Dragons said in a statement.
It's positive news on two fronts for Hunt, who has emerged as a genuine option for the Maroons' No.9 spot after a possible three-month injury to Jake Friend.
Friend, who was widely considered the leading candidate to claim the hooker position against NSW, ruptured his bicep in the same game for the Roosters.
His untimely injury costs him a shot to take over from incumbent Andrew McCullough, whose form has suffered in tandem with club side Brisbane.
Hunt was the utility for Maroons coach Kevin Walters in last year's game-three win, having been dropped after two games at halfback.
The 29-year-old is also the incumbent Kangaroos utility under Mal Meninga.
North Queensland rake Jake Granville and Parramatta counterpart Reed Mahoney are the only other Queensland-born options starting in the NRL.
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