Latrell Mitchell's return from a back injury, and game-three State of Origin hopes, have been thrown into doubt after he left a crucial South Sydney field session.
The superstar centre did not participate in Monday's training session after warm-ups in a potential blow to his hopes of playing for NSW in the Origin decider on July 8.
He stretched and performed light drills with the team before leaving the pitch at Heffron Park with a trainer, removing his wrist strapping tape as he went, in a sign he would not be returning.
The 29-year-old had told Fox League that he was "pushing" to face Parramatta on Thursday night, pending the back injury that has sidelined him since round nine.
"We have training tomorrow, we'll see what Wayne (Bennett, coach) wants me to do tomorrow," he said on Sunday night.
The fact he did not take part in any ball work, running or contact appears a setback that could also have ramifications for the Blues.
After their game-two humiliation, NSW would have been hopeful of calling on the talismanic Mitchell, who has an excellent record at Origin level.
Kotoni Staggs notably had a tough night in Origin II, while the Blues' other incumbent centre Tolu Koula has played only two games at Origin level.
But unless he faces the Eels in round 17, Mitchell will not have a chance to play before teams are picked following the last of this weekend's games.
Mitchell will not participate in contact training before the game at CommBank Stadium, with Wednesday's captain's run the team's final session.
