Stephen Crichton shapes as his biggest competition for a whirlwind State of Origin debut, but Jacob Kiraz is backing his Canterbury teammate to be fit for game two.
The Bulldogs told reporters Crichton's absence from training on Tuesday was unrelated to his troublesome shoulder, rather that the captain had two extra days off given a long turnaround into round 14.
His Bulldogs teammates will have their own break over the round-15 bye, but Crichton will miss that chance if he is named on NSW's team sheet for Origin II.
NSW selection appears no sure thing for Crichton, though, with Blues coach Laurie Daley saying on Monday he would not take Crichton into camp underdone.
Crichton has contended with a shoulder injury since the Bulldogs' Good Friday loss to South Sydney and aggravated the issue in recent days.
