Sydney Roosters veteran Anthony Minichiello was called into the New South Wales State of Origin rugby league team camp on Monday night after scans confirmed fullback Josh Dugan will miss game two on Wednesday week.
Tests on Dugan's ankle injury, suffered in Sunday's loss to North Queensland, revealed he has
syndesmosis and will be sidelined for 3-5 weeks.
The Canberra star underwent the tests in the national capital on Monday, emerging disappointed with the results but vowing to fight to be ready for Origin III on July 6.
"It's very disappointing to be ruled out with injury but I just have to concentrate on my rehab and make sure I'm right to go for the Raiders as soon as possible,'' Dugan said in a club statement.
"I'll be doing everything I can to get back onto the field for Canberra and get myself back to 100 per cent.
"If I can do that hopefully I can be selected for game three for NSW and I wish the guys all the best of luck in game two."
Blues officials confirmed late on Monday Minichiello would be the replacement for Dugan.
The 31-year-old Roosters custodian played the last of his nine Origin games in 2007 before a horrendous run of injuries.
He has returned to some vintage form for the Roosters in the past two seasons and edged former Blues custodians Jarryd Hayne and Kurt Gidley for the No.1 jumper.
Speaking before Dugan was ruled out, Hayne said there was no disappointment in being named on the wing after he was overlooked for game one.
"I think it makes it that more special playing next to Hop (Will Hopoate)," he said.
"He's a great young kid so I'm sure it's going to be enjoyable."
Minichiello was expected to join the Blues' camp in Sydney later on Monday night.
Dugan's injury was the latest in a horror build-up to game two, which has seen centre Michael Jennings (ankle), winger Brett Morris (hamstring) and prop Kade Snowden (back) all become unavailable for selection.
Jennings, who was replaced by Manly teenager Hopoate, is also in doubt for game three after Penrith officials confirmed he could miss up to six weeks, also with syndesmosis.
Earlier, Dugan had said Stuart was only prepared to play him if he was a hundred per cent fit.
"I'll be devastated but that just puts me in the mindset that I want to be right for Origin III," he said as he went in for the scans.
Blues captain Paul Gallen admitted to feeling the football Gods were lining up with Queensland, who won the first match of the series 16-12.
"You just wonder if luck's against you a little bit," he said.
"Game one we had a few things go against us too but it's no excuse, we've just got to get a team together and everyone's going to be prepared to do the job.
"It's a must-win game so we're just going to get out there and rip in."
Anthony Minichiello. Photo / Getty Images
Sydney Roosters veteran Anthony Minichiello was called into the New South Wales State of Origin rugby league team camp on Monday night after scans confirmed fullback Josh Dugan will miss game two on Wednesday week.
Tests on Dugan's ankle injury, suffered in Sunday's loss to North Queensland, revealed he has
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