Overview

• Mitchell Barnett traveled to Auckland for scans after injuring his knee in the Warriors’ 36-30 win over South Sydney, with medical staff fearing a possible ACL setback.
• Barnett’s strong front-row work helped NSW to an 18-6 series-opening victory before the injury cast doubt on his availability for Game II.
• Rabbitohs forward Keaon Koloamatangi has excelled in his new prop role over the past three rounds, averaging more than 200 running metres, 42 tackles and full 80-minute efforts.
• South Sydney teammate Jai Arrow and coach Wayne Bennett have publicly endorsed Koloamatangi’s Origin credentials, praising his work rate and endurance.
• Selectors also have Stefano Utoikamanu and bench option Max King under consideration as they finalise the Blues’ squad for Origin II in Perth on June 18.