Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah hasn't ruled out playing against Manly on Friday night, two days after his problematic shoulder was poleaxed in State of Origin II.
Farah was in doubt for the MCG clash after hurting his AC joint in the series opener at ANZ Stadium.
The NSW hooker required a pain-killing injection to make it through Wednesday night, when Queensland regularly tried to test the injury.
Farah could be forgiven for wanting to rest, but says he's keen to back up against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval.
"Less than 48 hours because we've got a game on Friday night," Farah said, when asked how long he would need to rest.
"I haven't been named, but I spoke to JT (coach Jason Taylor) the other day. He just said he didn't name me and he'll see how I pull up.
"We've got the early flight home, myself and Woodsy (NSW and Tigers prop Aaron Woods).
"First and foremost we'll just work on our recovery, then make a decision."
Farah admitted to harbouring doubts over whether he'd be fit enough to get through Origin II, even as late as kickoff in Melbourne.
"You come out here and put your balls on the line and say you'll be ok," he said.
"You don't know.
"There was doubt .. but the thing that kept me sane before the game was just telling myself I'd done the work."
Farah completed contact work last weekend, all but confirming his place in the MCG fixture watched by a record crowd of 91,513.
"I got through contact on Saturday and Sunday, even though Loz (NSW coach Laurie Daley) and the medical staff told me they didn't want me doing contact," he said.
"I felt it was important, not only for myself but to show the boys I was ready.
"I didn't miss a session all week."
The 31-year-old suggested the injury would improve before the series decider in Brisbane on July 8, even if he keeps playing.
Farah had no complaints with the way he was treated at the MCG.
"I knew they were coming. That's to be expected, when you go out there for an Origin game there's no hiding," he said.
"At the back end of the match I was starting to feel it, but I had to get through.
"It was a great effort by the boys, but it's one-all and the job's not done."
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