Maroons prop Dylan Napa has declared he will play with a broken wrist and will take his place in the Queensland side to play NSW in Origin II on Sunday.
Napa sustained the injury in Canterbury's round 14 loss to the Roosters and is being given every chance to play on Sunday after consulting Maroons doctor Matt Hislop.
Napa emerged to speak to media after a team video session where he said there was "no doubt" he would play.
"Absolutely. I just have to take it day by day but I played the whole game on Sunday with it. It is another hurdle but one I believe I can get over. I'm confident," Napa said.
"They have given me every chance to play and I am working towards that."
The Maroons team doctor was also optimistic.
"Dylan has a small break in one of his wrist bones and we're providing treatment to give him every chance to play," Hislop said.
Napa is slated to start alongside close mate Josh Papalii who said he couldn't wait to line up alongside the Bulldogs prop.
"It will be the first time for me starting with him but Naps has started before. Everyone knows what he brings, a lot of aggression, and we are going to need that at the start of the game," Papalii said.
"He's definitely a scary bloke to play against and I'm just glad he is on my team."
Match: Maroons v Blues
Game 2 -
home Team
Maroons
away Team
Blues
Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
The Napa-Papalii combination up front looms as a strong one for the Maroons and Napa earlier told NRL.com of the bond he shared with the Canberra stalwart.
"That's my guy, Josh Papalii. He's my guy,” Napa told NRL.com.
"We have a really special relationship, me and Paps. We hang out a fair bit in camp. He's a very quiet lad and I'm pretty loud but we have a special bond.
"I've got nothing but appreciation for Papalii, more off the field than on the field. The special moments I have with Papalii, and to be honest I feel very lucky to be able to go out and play with him in a Queensland Maroons jersey."
Napa vowed to be by Papalii's side when the going got tough.
"The way I approach games is that we have a job to do. We all believe in each other but we all treasure our friendships off the field," Napa said.
"On the field we have a job to do and of course I'm going to be there for Papalii, he's my guy."
Representative Round: Napa injured; Johnson and Marshall named
Napa was inspired to perform in Origin I after the faith shown in him by coach Kevin Walters after he missed three matches with a syndesmosis injury.
"I was confident that if I could get back on the field that Kevvie would show faith in me so I had to repay him," Napa said.
"I just want to do whatever I can when I'm playing in a Maroons jersey however long that will be for."
