The Blues' quest to square the State of Origin series was rocked only two minutes into game two when Tom Trbojevic stumbled from the field with a torn pectoral.
Trbjoevic was replaced by bench hooker Damien Cook in the centres and, shortly after, it was revealed the injury-plagued superstar would not play any further part in the match.
The 2021 Dally M Medal winner suffered the injury when he tackled Queensland fullback Reece Walsh as the Maroons' left-edge attack raided the New South Wales defence.
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After disappearing up the race, Trbojevic was soon watching from the sideline with his right arm in a sling.
Nine's coverage crossed to Brad Fittler shortly after the disastrous moment, but the Blues coach played down the severity of the blow.
"It also shows the versatility of Cookie," Fittler said.
"Just watching Cookie in the centres — he's doing a good job out there.
"And Stephen Crichton also — he can pretty much do anything, Critta.
"We're in the game."
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Blues assistant coach Andrew Jones was stunned, saying in commentary for Nine that the injury occurred "so easily".
"The NSW task has just got immeasurably harder than it was in the first place," added Nine caller Mat Thompson.
The play-by-play commentator threw to Queensland coach Billy Slater for his reaction to the Trbojevic blow and the rejigged Blues backline.
"We just want to play our footy," Slater said.
"That's been a priority all week, just to get our game on.
"Those opportunities around players playing out of position will come from us getting our footy on, so our priority is to get our game on here."
Trbojevic's injury is also a nightmare for the Manly Sea Eagles, who are placed 12th on the ladder ahead of round 17.
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