Edwards spared severe injury as clubs count Origin toll

Penrith have received good news on Edwards' knee, with scans confirming he suffered a PCL injury that was not overly serious.

The usual time frame for PCL tears stand at around a month, but the encouraging prognosis makes it possible Edwards could return earlier.

Penrith are unlikely to back up their Origin stars against the Dolphins on Sunday, with Edwards and Isaah Yeo already confirmed as being out.

Despite the physical nature of Wednesday's game, the majority of players are expected to back up, with only six confirmed as out by Friday afternoon and another three unlikely.

North Queensland boast the equal-largest Origin contingent, alongside the Panthers, and all five Cowboys are set to back up against Canterbury on Sunday.

"They're all good to go," said coach Todd Payten. 

"They're definitely sore. A couple of boys were really flat when I spoke to them yesterday (Thursday)."

One exception was the club's sole Blues representative, hooker Reece Robson, who might do well keeping a low profile among his Queensland clubmates after NSW's 14-4 win.

"He was pretty cock-a-hoop when I saw him at the airport on Thursday morning, buzzing about still," Payten said.

Stephen Crichton will link up with the Bulldogs in Townsville, where it is hoped he will be cleared to play.

Blues try-scoring hero Bradman Best is expected to play for Newcastle despite receiving stitches in his lip on Wednesday and recently battling a hamstring complaint, while the Roosters are hopeful Angus Crichton will line up although he suffered neck pain in Wednesday's game.

Broncos back Selwyn Cobbo will miss his side's clash with the Knights due to groin soreness, but Pat Carrigan has been passed fit despite leaving Suncorp Stadium in a moon boot.

Parramatta halfback Mitchell Moses' Origin heroics have cost him the rest of the season, after it was confirmed the 29-year-old ruptured his biceps in a tackle three minutes before fulltime.

Despite not featuring in the decider, Haumole Olakau'atu will be out for Manly's next two matches after pleading guilty to a grade-three contrary conduct charge for becoming involved in the game's memorable touchline melee while suited up.

Cam Murray has also been suspended for two rounds for his part in the brawl, while another seven players have been fined after pleading guilty at the judiciary to separate charges. 

EACH STATE OF ORIGIN PLAYER'S ROUND-17 AVAILABILITY

Dylan Edwards: Out (injured)

Brian To'o: Unlikely to play

Bradman Best: Expected to play

Stephen Crichton: Decision due Saturday

Zac Lomax: Bye

Jarome Luai: Unlikely to play

Mitch Moses: Out (injured)

Jake Trbojevic: Decision due Saturday

Reece Robson: Playing

Payne Haas: Playing

Liam Martin: Unlikely to play

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: Out

Dane Gagai: Expected to play

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow: Decision due Saturday

Valentine Holmes: Playing

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: Playing

Felise Kaufusi: Decision due Saturday

Kalyn Ponga: Expected to play

Australian Associated Press