Dylan Edwards has recovered from a serious knee injury and NRL clubs are now counting the cost of the brutal State of Origin series decider.
Penrith has received good news regarding Edwards' knee: scans confirmed he suffered a moderate posterior cruciate ligament injury.
It usually takes about a month to heal from a torn ACL, but the encouraging prognosis makes it possible that Edwards could return sooner.
Penrith are unlikely to back their Origin stars on Sunday against the Dolphins, with Edwards and Isaah Yeo already confirmed to be out.
Despite the physical nature of Wednesday's game, the majority of players are expected to feature. As of Friday afternoon, only six players had been confirmed absent and three others are unlikely to play.
North Queensland boasts the largest Origin team other than the Panthers and all five Cowboys will play as reserves against Canterbury on Sunday.
“They are all ready to go,” said coach Todd Payten.
“They're definitely in pain. A couple of the guys were pretty worn out when I spoke to them yesterday (Thursday).”
One exception was the club's only Blues representative, hooker Reece Robson, who would have done better to keep a low profile among his Queensland clubmates after NSW's 14-4 win.
“He was very excited when I saw him at the airport on Thursday morning and was still buzzing around,” Payten said.
Stephen Crichton will join the Bulldogs in Townsville where he will hopefully gain eligibility to play.
Blues try hero Bradman Best is expected to play for Newcastle despite needing stitches to his lip on Wednesday and recently battling a thigh problem. The Roosters are hoping Angus Crichton will play despite suffering neck soreness in Wednesday's game.
Broncos defender Selwyn Cobbo will miss his side's game against the Knights due to groin pain, while Pat Carrigan was declared fit despite leaving Suncorp Stadium in a moon boot.
Parramatta halfback Mitchell Moses' heroics at Origin have cost him the rest of the season after it was confirmed the 29-year-old had torn his biceps in a tackle with three minutes left.
Despite not playing in the decider, Haumole Olakau'atu will miss Manly's next two matches after pleading guilty to a third-degree misdemeanor for being involved in the memorable match sideline brawl while wearing full match attire.
Cam Murray was also banned for two rounds for his involvement in the brawl, while seven other players were fined after pleading guilty to other charges in court.
AVAILABILITY OF EACH STATE OF ORIGIN PLAYER IN ROUND 17
Dylan Edwards: Out (injured)
Brian To'o: Probably won't play
Bradman Best: Expected to play
Stephen Crichton: Decision expected on Saturday
Zac Lomax: Bye
Jarome Luai: unlikely to play
Mitch Moses: Out (injured)
Jake Trbojevic: Decision will be made on Saturday
Reece Robson: Playing
Payne Haas: Playing
Liam Martin: Probably not playing
Angus Crichton: Expected to play
Cameron Murray: Out (suspended)
Connor Watson: Expected to play
Isaah Yeo: Out (rested)
Mitchell Barnett: Playing
Spencer Leniu: Expected to play
Haumole Olakau'atu: Out (suspended)
Reece Walsh: Playing
Selwyn Cobbo: From
Dane Gagai: Expected to play
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow: Decision due on Saturday
Valentine Holmes: Play
Tom Dearden: Playing
Daly Cherry-Evans: Expected to play
Reuben Cotter: Playing
Ben Hunt: Bye
Lindsay Collins: Expected to play
Kurt Capewell: Playing
Jeremiah Nanai: Playing
Patrick Carrigan: Playing
Harry Grant: Playing
Moeaki Fotuaika: Play
Felise Kaufusi: Decision expected on Saturday
Kalyn Ponga: Expected to play