Nicho Hynes has returned to Cronulla training showing no ill effects from NSW's opening State of Origin disappointment, with Sharks players adamant the No.7 remains his old self.
Hynes on Tuesday had his first session back with Cronulla since the Blues' chastening series-opening loss last week, showing no signs of his problematic calf at Shark Park.
His return came on a good day for Blues coach Michael Maguire, with Dylan Edwards, Haumole Olakau'atu and Liam Martin all receiving positive injury news.
Edwards has been named by Penrith to play fullback against Newcastle on Sunday, while Martin has been listed on an extended bench.
That will give Edwards one game to make his case to regain the NSW No.1 jersey from James Tedesco for Origin II on June 26, after an ankle injury denied him a debut in the opening match of the series.
Martin is battling a quad injury suffered in the game one, but is expected to be fit to run out at the MCG for Origin II.
Olakau'atu is expected to turn out for Manly against St George Illawarra on Sunday afternoon after scans eased concerns around his sore calf.
The powerful second-rower came off the bench for NSW in game one, and is pushing to hold his spot as Maguire prepares to make several calls for the must-win match in Melbourne.
Cameron Murray has been named to play for South Sydney against Brisbane on Friday, and could also push for a Blues recall on return from a hip injury.
But the biggest call of all surrounds Hynes.
The Sharks No.7 has taken most of the spotlight after NSW's loss at Accor Stadium last week, including questions about a lack of polish at the end of sets.
Blues legend Andrew Johns is among those calling for Mitch Moses to take over as NSW halfback, with the Parramatta star two games back from a foot injury.
But Cronulla players have thrown their support behind Hynes, who was axed after one game on the bench last year for NSW.
"He's been good. He rocked up today with a smile on his face," Sharks hooker Blayke Brailey said.
"He's joking, playing pranks. That's what he normally does around the club. We didn't hear anything different from him."
Hynes has spoken at length about his confidence being dented after his NSW debut last year, but Brailey said there had been no signs of that this time.
If anything, Brailey said the situation could motivate Hynes in Cronulla's top-four clash against the Dolphins on Thursday night.
"He's happy to be here, still loving his footy ... trained great today," Brailey said.
"It's not great to see (the fallout from Origin) for such a close friend, (but) he's been such a great player for so long. He's deserved that spot.
"He's a competitor, so I'm guessing that'll drive him or motivate him."
