Winger Daniel Tupou has been ruled out of the Sydney Roosters' NRL clash with Brisbane because of a neck injury.
Tupou failed to recover after going down in an awkward tackle in Sunday's win over Canberra.
Coach Trent Robinson said versatile NSW Origin hopeful Mitchell Aubusson and Englishman Ryan Hall were in the running to replace Tupou.
Robinson said Tupou had been cleared of major injury after he was taken to hospital in Brisbane on Sunday but wasn't fit enough to play.
"You want to make sure it's right," Robinson said.
"The thing about injuries in those areas, they repair quite quickly. He's going well but not good enough to play."
If Hall did get the nod, it would represent his first appearance for the club since his move from English Super League club Leeds.
The English international suffered an ACL tear last August and has been in the rehab ward ever since.
Robinson had previously said he wanted to bring him back through NSW Cup but he could get his first NRL call-up sooner than expected because of the Roosters' injury troubles.
Aubusson has been the Roosters' Mr Fix It for years but suddenly finds himself in contention for an Origin cap due to the Blues' injury crisis at right centre.
With incumbent James Roberts dumped to reserve grade and Jack Bird and Joey Leilua out injured, Aubusson, 31, suddenly finds himself in the frame.
Aubusson showcased his versatility against the Raiders when he was forced to slot into four positions.
And Robinson pointed to his performance during last year's grand final, when he prepared to play at centre all week but turned out in the back-row, as proof of his ability to perform on the big stage.
"The last game of last year - not knowing, playing a completely different role, having to get ready for the biggest game of his career, he had to start in a position that he didn't think about all week," Robinson said.
"And he delivered.
"But four positions in one weekend is a pretty tough task as well. He gets it.
"He played hooker, lock, right edge back row, right edge centre, left edge back row, left centre in the space of two weeks. That's a guy that's got his mental game in check."
Australian Associated Press
