South Sydney five-eighth Luke Keary aims to battle though a rare and difficult foot injury at least until the club's NRL title defence is over.
The youngster missed an opportunity to stake his claim for a NSW State of Origin debut when the injury caused him to withdraw from the NSW City team which played NSW Country last weekend.
However he hopes to play for the Rabbitohs against in-form St George Illawarra on Monday providing he pulls up well after training later this week.
Keary said on Tuesday that his foot injury was an ongoing issue which initially flared up during last season's finals series.
"I just lost cartilage in between a couple of bones in my foot, I'm not sure how it actually happened," Keary said.
"It's one of those hard injuries to manage.
"We're hoping to get through the year without surgery and maybe get it cleaned up at the end of the year.
"It's a pretty rare one. The surgeons haven't seen it too often so we're just playing it day by day."
Queensland-born Keary grew up dreaming of wearing the Maroons jersey, although his family moved to Sydney when he was 10 and he completed the majority of his schooling and junior football in Sydney.
Under changes to the eligibility rules in 2012, Keary has been told by the NRL he is only available for NSW selection and he is comfortable with the thought of pulling on a NSW jersey if selected.
"I'm with NSW and that's a decision that I made and I'm happy with that decision and I won't be changing my mind," Keary said.
But he was more concerned about Monday's looming NRL clash.
"Obviously I'm worried about St George. They are on the top of the table and they are flying at the moment."
Souths have slipped to sixth on the back of three straight losses.
Keary's halves partner, halfback Adam Reynolds has also been sidelined recently, though there are suggestions he may return from a long-term knee injury as soon as next week.
"I know he's been working real hard and looking after himself, so I wouldn't be surprised if he's back earlier," Keary said.
Utility and former captain John Sutton, who has been sidelined since round two with a jaw problem, said he would get a scan later in the week to make sure the injury has healed fully.
Sutton said he was close to playing last game, but erred on the side of caution after receiving advice from a specialist.
"He reckons if I did come back a bit early and I did cop a knock it could put me out for three months," Sutton said.
"I'd rather take another week or two to make sure I'm 100 per cent before I go out there."
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