NSW's State of Origin defence has been significantly boosted by the return of centre Josh Morris from injury.
The Canterbury star will return from an ankle injury for the Bulldogs' round nine NRL clash with North Queensland on Saturday.
Morris' fitness helps to ease at least one of NSW coach Laurie Daley's selection worries ahead of the first Origin game in Sydney on May 27.
The former Kangaroos representative will play his first game in a month on Saturday night against the Cowboys and barring injury or suspension will be one of the first players chosen by Daley.
However concerns over the fitness of Josh Dugan persist with the Kangaroos winger left out of St George Illawarra's round nine side to play South Sydney due to a knee injury.
The full extent of Dugan's injury should be better known as a result of scans on Wednesday, but he remains in doubt of missing Origin I.
Josh Reynolds' chances of retaining his NSW No.6 jersey took another blow on Tuesday when he accepted a one-game tripping ban. The Dogs pivot will miss the trip to Townsville leaving him just one more game to press his Origin claims.
Greg Bird's Origin hopes go on the line before the judiciary on Wednesday night when he seeks a downgrade on his grade two dangerous throw on Kiwi winger Jason Nightingale from the Kangaroos' Test loss on Sunday.
If Bird is successful he will cop a two-match suspension and will be eligible for Origin I.
However if the Blues and Gold Coast enforcer fails he will be hit with an eight-match ban and be rubbed out of the entire Origin series.
NSW have been besieged by injury, suspension and poor form but Morris's return adds some stability to the Blues line-up.
The former St George Illawarra star has been a key defensive plank in the Blues' line for several seasons now.
"I'm feeling good, obviously having the rep round off certainly helped to get the ankle right, so I will be right to go on Saturday," Morris said at training on Tuesday.
"Yesterday I had a tough session and came through with flying colours so I am looking forward to getting back out there."
However the news isn't as good for brother Brett Morris, with the `Dogs fullback certain to miss the first interstate game with a hamstring injury.
"I don't think Origin I will be in the picture (for Brett)," Josh Morris said.
"It is coming along well, he is ahead of schedule but I'm not sure how far ahead."
Daley will announce his side for Origin I on May 19.
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