Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's immediate State of Origin career looks over after the rugby union-bound star accepted a four-match ban for his shot on Reece Walsh.
It comes as fellow NSW stalwart Liam Martin begins his recovery from a foot injury that is set to curtail his preparations for game two.
Undermanned NSW's 38-10 loss to Queensland in Origin I has left new coach Michael Maguire to ponder team selection before the side travels to Melbourne with the series on the line on June 26.
Blues debutant Suaalii became only the sixth man in Origin history to be sent off, after making late and high shoulder contact with Queensland's fullback in the early minutes of Wednesday night's opener.
The hit knocked Walsh unconscious, condemned the Blues to a heavy loss at home, and left Suaalii facing a lengthy ban for his grade-two reckless high tackle charge.
The Roosters confirmed on Friday morning the 20-year-old centre had entered an early guilty plea, meaning he will miss NRL games between rounds 15 and 18 and not be available for Origin until game three.
His club could apply to count the second Origin game towards Suaalii's ban, but selection rules would still leave him needing to miss the club match that preceded game two.
Suaalii would be available for selection in the third match of the series on July 17 but appears unlikely to be selected given his lack of competitive football in its lead-up.
He would have risked a five-game ban by taking his charge to the NRL judiciary.
Given he will switch codes to play rugby union from 2025, and has not committed to a return to NRL, Suaalii's Origin future is clouded after only seven minutes of game time on debut.
Latrell Mitchell and Matt Burton appear the leading candidates to replace Suaalii in the centres when NSW fight to keep the series alive in Melbourne later this month.
Souths fullback Mitchell has played in the centres in all seven Origin appearances.
He hasn't played for the Blues since starring in their last series win in 2021, with injuries accounting for the majority of his absence from the state side since.
Rabbitohs interim coach Ben Hornby endorsed Mitchell for an Origin recall in Suaalii's place.
"I wouldn't want to be standing opposite Latrell in Origin," he said.
"He's so skilful and he's so big. It's a pretty good combination, along with his speed and his fend. I know he's looking forward to couple of a big games and (will) hopefully put himself in the picture."
The Roosters have the bye this weekend but Fetalaiga Pauga appears the safest option to take Suaalii's spot in the backline for round 15, given Billy Smith remains sidelined with an ankle problem.
Veteran Michael Jennings is another option.
Meanwhile, Penrith confirmed to AAP that second-rower Martin injured a ligament in his left foot during the first half of Origin I.
Martin required painkilling injections at half-time on Wednesday night and is set to miss Penrith's round-14 clash against Manly.
But the Panthers are hopeful he will play in their round-15 meeting with Newcastle and insist he is not in doubt for Origin II.
