Nathan Brown is confident Shaun Kenny-Dowall will be fit to face Parramatta this weekend despite the workhorse missing training on Wednesday.
The nib Newcastle Knights winger was rested due to a calf complaint, but Brown doesn't anticipate any changes to the team named earlier in the week.
"Just a few corks so he should be okay," Brown said.
"There's no real major concern. Just some corks. He should train on the captain's run, no worries."
Both Nick Meaney and Brent Naden are in the extended squad as cover.
With the State of Origin series opener kicking off next week, Brown confirmed Meaney is in the box seat to get first crack at replacing Kalyn Ponga should he secure a Queensland call-up at some stage throughout the series.
"Nick's only one game back but we're all quite hopeful of Nick being an NRL player," Brown said.
"Nick's had one game in three months. He's a bit short of a run at the minute but he's back playing
"I'm sure this week will be a good week for Nick as well."
While ISP NSW fullback will have to bide his time, Cory Denniss gets his first opportunity in the top grade for the season with Nathan Ross sidelined with a groin injury.
It's been a long wait for Denniss to return to the top grade after being thrown into the NRL two years ago with just two games in the 20s to his name.
"It's been a long ride compared to what first happened with Cory," Brown said.
"He played first grade well before his time.
"Last year he did what most young blokes should do and he spent a bit of time in the 20s and reserve grade.
"This year he's been in reserve grade and he's been 18th man on numbers of occasions and now he has his chance.
"We're all keen to see how much he's developed."
Denniss lines-up against veteran centre Michael Jennings on Saturday.
Jennings, 30, has almost 250 NRL games to his name and looms as an exciting challenge for the Knights youngster.
"This week he gets a shot playing Michael Jennings," Brown said.
"While Parramatta have been losing a lot of close games, he's been playing very well and he's a high-quality player.
"It'll be a good test for him."
