Edwards spared severe injury as clubs count Origin toll
![Dylan Edwards could return for the Panthers within a month despite injuring a knee in Origin III. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/C-15408892/42b47df3b0a82fa97ce3f71a9295414f56fc70c0-16x9-x0y0w1280h720.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
Dylan Edwards has been cleared of a serious knee injury as NRL clubs count the cost of the brutal State of Origin series decider.
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
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