Melbourne Storm speedster Ryan Papenhuyzen will reportedly miss Game One of State of Origin as he struggles to recover from a calf injury.
A huge blow struck the Blues camp this morning when news surfaced that the fullback had been battling with calf issues ahead of the series opener in Adelaide.
Those fears have now been confirmed with the Clive Churchill Medallist reportedly set to miss Origin I.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald's Michael Chammas, Papnehuyzen has been ruled out of Wednesday's game but is expected to be available for Game Two in Sydney.
"Looks like Ryan Papenhuyzen has been ruled out of Origin I with a calf injury," Chammas tweeted. "Will be right for game two.
"Tedesco still not training with main group but 50-50. Gutherson and Cody Walker training at fullback."
https://twitter.com/MichaelChammas/status/1321616674726965248The electric playmaker is one of the most highly-anticipated debutants within the Blues squad, fresh off Melbourne's grand final victory and his own Clive Churchill Medal nod.
Papenhuyzen had been talked up as the top pick to replace NSW fullback James Tedesco, should the Roosters No.1 fail to overcome a knee injury in time for Game One.
However, his omission from the series opener throws the door wide open for Eels skipper Clint Gutherson to play his preferred position. He had been tipped for a spot in the starting side at right centre instead.
Should Gutherson be named at fullback it would likely open the door for either Zac Lomax or Stephen Crichton to make their Origin debut at right centre.
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