Queensland look set to rely on a makeshift fullback for the State of Origin series decider after superstar Kalyn Ponga was all but ruled out.
Maroons' fears were confirmed on Sunday by scan results on the calf injury Ponga suffered during the Origin II defeat in Perth which forced him to miss Newcastle's NRL win over Brisbane on Saturday.
""The scans showed he (Ponga) has suffered a strain....He is expected to miss the next two weeks," said the Knights in a statement.
With game three at ANZ Stadium looming in 10 days time, it remains to be seen whether Maroons coach Kevin Walters will name Ponga in his squad on Monday in the hope he recovers in time to play.
His likely absence would be a major blow for a Queensland side still reeling from their belting by the Blues in Perth, which set up the blockbuster decider.
Ponga was arguably Queensland's best in their game one triumph at Suncorp Stadium but was kept quiet in their game two defeat.
Maroons centre Michael Morgan is expected to lead a number of candidates to play at fullback should Ponga be ruled out.
Shifting Cameron Munster from five-eighth is another option, as is promoting utility Moses Mbye from the bench.
Both options would have ramifications for the rest of their backline, with Mbye, Kyle Feldt and Corey Norman among the possible replacements.
Brisbane's Anthony Milford, who returned to fullback in Saturday's loss to Newcastle, is another who can be brought in from outside the squad.
Each alternative would be something of a risk for Walters, with Morgan and Mbye the only others to have started at fullback in the NRL this year.
Morgan has twice worn the No.1 for North Queensland, while Mbye started nine games at the back for the Wests Tigers before switching to the centres.
Front-rower Jarrod Wallace is widely tipped to be axed and be replaced by Brisbane's Joe Ofahengaue after his return from injury this week.
Speaking before the Ponga news, skipper Daly Cherry-Evans embraced the challenge of bouncing back and lifting the shield in enemy territory.
"I'm certainly super excited about what lies ahead for Queensland. We're playing in the decider, it's bloody exciting," Cherry-Evans said.
"I can't wait for it."
History suggests Cherry-Evans is right to be excited about the Maroons' chances.
There have been six Origin game three deciders played in Sydney with the Maroons winning three and NSW two.
An 18-all draw in 2002 was as good as a victory for the Queensland, who walked away with the Origin shield by virtue of being the defending champions.
LIKELY QUEENSLAND TEAM: 1. Michael Morgan, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Dane Gagai, 4. Will Chambers, 5. Kyle Feldt, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans (capt), 8. Dylan Napa, 9. Ben Hunt, 10. Josh Papalii, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Matt Gillett, 13. Josh McGuire. Bench: 14. Moses Mbye, 15. Joe Ofahengaue, 16. David Fifita, 17. Tim Glasby.
