NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce expects coach Ricky Stuart to give five-eighth Jamie Soward as much time as possible to prove his fitness for next week’s Origin decider.
The St George Illawarra pivot in is doubt for Wednesday’s game III after injuring his hamstring late in last Monday’s win over Manly, but Soward's halves partner believes he will play at Suncorp Stadium.
Soward is not the most pressing of NSW injury concerns heading into the game – centre Michael Jennings (ankle), Beau Scott (medial ligament and perforated eardrum), utility Kurt Gidley (hamstring) and Glenn Stewart (back) are in doubt.
With the Blues 80 minutes from ending a half-decade of Queensland dominance Pearce believes Soward will don the No. 6.
“Fingers crossed he’ll be sweet,” Pearce told NRL on Fox.
“I’m not sure about other options, he came [into camp] yesterday pretty upbeat.
“Ricky [Stuart] hasn’t said much about deadlines, I’m sure he’ll make decisions when the time comes.
“We haven’t done too much yet, our big sessions will be tomorrow and Friday.”
Stuart has revealed he has two contingency plans if Soward is ruled out; one within the squad and one outside, believed to be Pearce’s Roosters team-mate Tood Carney.
Within the squad, Gidley, Greg Bird and Luke Lewis have won the No. 6 jersey at different levels while Stuart is on the record as saying Parramatta’s Jarryd Hayne best position is pivot.
The Roosters No. 7 hopes he can reprise his partnership with Soward on July 6 after the duo shone in NSW’s game II victory.
“Jamie’s a smart footy player, he’s got a good kicking game,” Pearce said.
Pearce stressed the need for the Blues to get off to a fast start after surrendering early leads in both games so far this series.
“Sticky [Stuart] has spoken about not briefly, the last two games we have gone behind and starting well this time has been a big part of our preparation,” Pearce said.
Pearce revealed New South Wales legend Laurie Daley had addressed the squad about what awaits them north of the Tweed.
Queensland is already in frenzy because the match will be the last in maroon for Darren Lockyer.
“Loz (Daley) spoke to us about what to expect up there and fired us up a bit,” Pearce said.
“Darren Lockyer is a legend of the game, it’s pretty special to be part of it.”
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