New South Wales centre Bradman Best is set to play for New South Wales in the State of Origin decider as he continues to manage a hamstring injury.
The Newcastle star was recalled to the Blues setup as a replacement for Latrell Mitchell, however the 22-year-old has battled his own injury issues which has seen him on restricted duties within camp.
Best picked up the hamstring complaint during Newcastle's victory over Canberra in Round 18 and was sent for a precautionary scan after being selected by Michael Maguire to take over from the injured Mitchell.
He was cleared of any major issues and finally returned to full training on Saturday for the Blues as he firmed for Game III.
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Will Bradman Best play for NSW in State of Origin Game 3? Injury updates on Blues star
Best made his debut for the Blues in the third and final game last year, forming a devastating partnership with Cody Walker on the left edge as the state fought off a potential series whitewash against Queensland.
Joseph Suaalii and Stephen Crichton were picked in the opening game of this year's series though as Best was overlooked, before Mitchell partnered Crichton after Suaalii had copped a four-match ban from Game I.
Although Best has finally broke back into the side ahead of the decider at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, July 17.
Maguire selected the barnstorming centre after a string of impressive performances for the Knights upon his return from injury.
Yet he has been unable to train alongside his NSW teammates since entering into camp at the start of the week.
Best was pictured mainly being an observer during Wednesday's session as Burton trained in his place in the centres.
On Thursday, he trained away from the main group for the second straight day as the rest of the squad were put through their paces during an opposed session against St Marys' Ron Massey Cup side.
He finally hit the track with the rest of his teammates on Saturday as he took part in an opposed session against Mudgee Dragons.
Who could replace Bradman Best? Joseph Suaalii brought into NSW Blues team
Matt Burton originally covered for Best in the centres during the start of the week after being listed as 18th man.
However, Joseph Suaalii was then added to the extended squad after Luke Keary was withdrawn due to an undisclosed injury.
Suaalii featured in the opening game of the series for Maguire but was sent off and banned for four matches due to a high tackle on Reece Walsh.
The Sydney Roosters star has now served that suspension and could be brought in for the decider ahead of Burton, if Best is ruled out of the match.
