The jury may still be out on Dylan Napa but Billy Slater has declared himself a certain starter for Queensland's must-win State of Origin game two on Sunday.
Sydney Roosters enforcer Napa had been given until Wednesday to show he had overcome an ankle injury and moved freely in their opposed training session at their Gold Coast camp before leaving five minutes early.
However, the Maroons will now extend the deadline and wait to see how Napa recovers on Thursday morning before reaching a verdict.
Melbourne's Tim Glasby is on standby.
"It was really pleasing seeing him training today, it's positive signs for Dylan," Slater said.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters had wanted to finalise the team on Wednesday to ensure there were no more distractions after a injury-hit game one build-up.
While a question mark still remains over Napa, Slater was primed to make his injury comeback in his landmark 30th Origin.
Slater, 35, will finally kick-start his swansong Origin series after a hamstring complaint forced him to pull out just days before Queensland's 22-12 game one loss in Melbourne.
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I would be right on Sunday," Slater said after the Maroons' opposed session with the Queensland Residents.
Slater's return can't come soon enough for Walters who claimed the veteran would solve their game one problems in defence and attack.
The Maroons missed a staggering 55 tackles in the series opener and scored just two tries, including winger Valentine Holmes' 85m intercept effort.
Slater said he wasn't feeling any added pressure ahead of his welcome return.
"Not really. I am confident with what I can bring to the team," he said.
"It's my natural role to talk (to the defensive line) and set up plays.
"It's not ideal (being sidelined for five weeks). You want to be coming in playing really good football but they are the cards I have been dealt.
"But I won't be going out there holding back."
Slater conceded Maroons debutant Kalyn Ponga could replace him at fullback when the 20-year-old comes off the bench during game two at ANZ Stadium.
However, the veteran backed himself to play the full 80 minutes of Origin II at "100 per cent".
"I think Kalyn will play multiple positions and fullback could possibly be one," Slater said.
"He's an exciting player and I am sure he will do a great job for Queensland.
"I will do whatever is best for Queensland. I think everyone is willing to step into different positions and bend a little for the side."
Glasby had no idea whether he would earn his third Origin cap this weekend as he sweats on Napa's fitness.
"It's a bit different to what I am used to. Most weeks I go into a game knowing I am definitely playing," Glasby laughed.
Meanwhile, North Queensland winger Kyle Feldt was called into Camp Maroon as a development player to train with the team.
Share
