NEWCASTLE duo Hymel Hunt and Edrick Lee could rocket into contention for Wednesday's State of Origin series opener in Adelaide after Queensland winger Xavier Coates suffered an injury scare at training on Sunday.
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Hunt and Lee are both in camp with Queensland's 27-man squad but were not expected to feature in Origin I, after both states named 21-man line-ups last week that will be reduced to 17 an hour before kick-off.
Hunt was named as a standby player in jersey No.21 and Lee missed out on selection altogether.
But if Coates was forced out, Hunt, Lee and Gold Coast's Phil Sami are all expected to come into contention.
The 19-year-old Brisbane flyer landed heavily on his shoulder trying to field a bomb during Sunday's training session at Cbus Super Stadium and left the field as a precaution.
The Maroons were reportedly waiting until Monday to determine if he needs to be sent for scans.
Queensland centre Brenko Lee witnessed Coates' mishap from close range and said he "didn't think it was bad".
"When it's bad they're screaming or they don't want no one around, but he just said it felt a bit numb," Lee said.
"I have full faith in the medical staff and [coach] Wayne [Bennett] that they'll make the right call.
"I'm sure he'll be right but, if not, anyone who comes in will do their best for the state."
Anyone who comes in will do their best for the state.
- BRENKO LEE
Sami was originally named on Queensland's wing but there has been widespread speculation that he will be a late scratching, with Penrith utility Kurt Capewell coming in as right centre, pushing Dane Gagai onto the wing.
"We've got a luxury with a lot of good wingers there, Phillip, Hymel or Edrick," Lee said.
"They're all no slouches.
"They're here for a reason like anyone else. Whoever gets put in there will do a job."
Hunt, 26, has been a model of consistency for Newcastle over the past two seasons, playing 44 of a possible 45 games and scoring 17 tries.
He is versatile enough to handle the roles of wing, centre and bench handyman.
Lee, a specialist left winger, has been restricted to 25 games in his two seasons at the Knights after twice breaking his arm.
He is nonetheless regarded as one of the most naturally talented players in the NRL.
