With scans showing no further damage to his calf, the signs are positive for Sharks star Nicho Hynes ahead of the series-opening State of Origin match on Wednesday, June 5.
The new NSW halfback didn't finish Saturday's game against the Panthers, having experienced calf tightness as he cooled down during a head injury assessment, but Blues coach Michael Maguire provided an optimistic update on Monday.
"I've got some really good staff with me and they're in continual communication with the Sharks staff," Maguire said.
"He had a scan yesterday. It looks really good. There's no further damage. I think it actually looked better. I think he's got through that now
"Obviously, I'll talk to my staff over the next couple of days and work out how we go about his training. But the conversation I had with him yesterday – one being extremely excited about the fact that he was in the team, which was a pretty special phone call in itself – he is ready to go.
"I'm really, super confident in how Nicho's been, just listening to his conversations about what he's faced throughout his career and what he's learnt. I'm really looking forward to how he comes into camp. He's a leader.
"I reckon he'll hit the ground running on day one; that's what we're working towards. We're really confident with where he's at (that) he'll be able to train from day one (on Wednesday)."
After a media session in Sydney on Tuesday, the NSW squad will relocate to Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains in Leura to continue their camp.
Hynes will link with Penrith playmaker Jarome Luai in the halves at Accor Stadium as the Blues begin their mission to prise the shield away from Queensland.
While he played one Origin game off the interchange last year, next Wednesday's clash marks Hynes' first opportunity to start in his favoured position.
Hynes and Cronulla captain Cameron McInnes will miss the Sharks' Round 13 match against the Eels on Thursday night due to their Blues commitments.
