Tom Trbojevic was a somewhat surprise omission from the upcoming State of Origin opener after New South Wales coach Laurie Daley chose to overlook the star.
The Manly fullback has endured an underwhelming campaign to date, scoring just one try and providing four assists in six appearances.
MORE: NSW great slams 'disappointing' media bans for Blues stars
Could Tom Trbojevic be set for Origin return despite being overlooked for Game I?
Injuries have hampered Trbojevic's form once again, with the No.1 hobbling off the pitch during a Round 2 loss to the New Zealand Warriors.
This caused the 28-year-old to miss the next week, before he returned against Parramatta.
However, Trbojevic managed to stay on the field for just 40 minutes until he succumbed to a knee injury during the clash with the Eels.
This issue with his left knee resulted in him being confined to the casualty ward for a month.
Upon returning to action in Round 8, Trbojevic was in the wars yet again as a corked quad against Penrith hobbled him.
He then laboured during his side’s win over North Queensland ahead of NSW selection. He was constantly pictured wincing in pain as he finished the win over the Cowboys with no attacking stats to speak of.
Daley noted how the star’s stop-start campaign ultimately had led to his absence from the Blues’ set-up.
"Everyone agrees Tom, if he's fit, is one of the best players in the game, so that was a tough decision," Daley said after naming his first NSW outfit for the series.
"Tom needs to go back and play some good football and be confident."
Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has now dismissed injury fears around the fullback ahead of the club’s meeting with the Eels this week. And the coach has also backed Turbo to prove his doubters wrong during the match.
"Obviously, Turbo had the MCL injury earlier in the year," Seibold said.
"Then his first game back against Penrith a couple of weeks ago, he had a really bad cork to his quad.
"He's looking fantastic at training this week as well... we expect Turbo to be at his best on Friday."
Latrell Mitchell has been brought back into the Blues fold in the centres along with Stephen Crichton.
Meanwhile, Zac Lomax and Brian To’o did enough to persuade Daley and his selectors they had overcome their respective injury issues to start on the wings in Game I.
But Seibold stated that the Manly fullback was never far from the Origin picture.
"I don't think the Origin door is ever shut for Turbo," Seibold stated.
"He belongs in that arena, I think everyone knows that. If there's an opportunity that presents itself, I know Turbo will take that with both hands."