Blues enforcer Payne Haas remains in doubt ahead of State of Origin series opener

Payne Haas remains no certainty to feature in the State of Origin opener after testing his injured leg to the side of the team’s first Brisbane session.

The Blues, after a rain-hit week of preparation in NSW, descended on a sun-drenched Ballymore on Monday ahead of Wednesday’s clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Broncos prop Haas, carrying a quadriceps injury suffered against St George Illawarra earlier this month, began the warm-up with his team.

But he was then ushered to the side for specialised fitness drills, testing his ailment before media were excused.

NSW officials remain confident barnstorming prop Haas will play, with Melbourne prop Stefano Utoikamanu on stand-by.

Haas isn’t the only injury concern for the Blues with Stephen Crichton failing to finish the session.

Crichton limped off and was seen with an ice pack on his left leg.

The Blues hopeful his issue is no more than a corked quadriceps muscle, but Cambell Graham is on standby should Crichton fail to prove his fitness.

“He was able to do most of the stuff,” Blues utility Connor Watson said of Haas.

“He’s super important for us, been one of the main parts of this Origin team ... as soon as he started playing first grade.

“(He has had) such a great impact on the game, so powerful, so fit, a real joy to play with.”