Tedesco all but certain to suit up for Blues in Origin

James Tedesco no longer requires a knee brace and is set to begin training with the NSW team next week after being cleared by medical staff to join the Blues State of Origin camp.

Much of the NSW extended squad headed to the Central Coast on Monday, where the team will be based at the Pullman Magenta Shores Resort in a biosecurity bubble, but Tedesco remained in Sydney to continue rehabilitation work on his knee.

The Roosters fullback will join the Blues camp later in the week and NSW team doctor Nathan Gibbs said Tedesco was on track to play in the series opener against Queensland at Adelaide Oval on November 4.

Tedesco suffered a minor knee injury in the Roosters' week two finals loss to the Raiders and had been wearing a brace at the club's presentation night, where he took out Player of the Year honours but no longer needs it.

"He is progressing well," Gibbs said. "The MCL is stable after 10 days in a brace. He should be good to train next week and continue rehab this week."

Fittler said Tedesco would remain in Sydney until Friday to work with Roosters physiotheraptist Roslyn Craig, who was previously a member of the Blues staff.

Roosters assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon and head of performance Travis Touma are in camp with the Blues.

"So the communication will be good," Fittler said. "We'll know exactly where he is and hopefully he can get up for game one."

In any case, Fittler said he has several top-line fullback options.

"I think both Teddy and Clint Gutherson go tonight to the Dally Ms. So I think in saying that we've had a few good fullbacks this year," he said.

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"Obviously Tommy [Trbojevic] is no good. We've got Ryan Papenhuyzen playing for Melbourne, so I think we're pretty comfortable with the depth.

"They're still talking to medical staff at the moment. [Tedesco] was walking around without a brace today. They're all good indications at the moment.

"We've got plenty of time before the game. I think November 4, we're still over two weeks away. We've got plenty of time to discuss what we need to and find out their health."

Elsewhere, Fittler was coy on Panthers hooker Api Koroisau's chances of forcing his way into the 27-man squad.

Incumbent No.9 Damien Cook and Dragons skipper Cameron McInnes have already been selected, but Fittler indicated Koroisau's hopes hinged on his performance in Sunday's grand final against the Storm.

"It makes it hard and that's sometimes where this style of picking players as you go along can get tough," he said.

"Some people are going to miss out, without a doubt.

"I just wish him all the best on Sunday. I suppose if he has a massive game they nearly demand that they pick you."

With seven spots remaining, it appears likely the rest of the Blues squad will be filled by Penrith and Melbourne representatives. However, Fittler didn't rule out choosing players he initially overlooked.

Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary and Josh Addo-Carr are certainties to make the side, while the likes of Isaah Yeo, Stephen Crichton, Liam Martin, James Tamou, Moses Leota, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Dale Finucane loom as strong contenders.

"You've got 27 [players], you need to get it right but you also need people to be able to cover different positions as well," Fittler said

The shootout between Cody Walker and Luke Keary for the five-eighth role has been another major talking point.

Fittler envisions both men playing key parts at some stage of the series.

"Given it's the three games in a row, if we can nail that – they're such influential players," he said.