Kennedy is improving but still no
certainty

NSW coach Phil Gould says injured second rower Ben Kennedy will be given until Sunday to prove his fitness for the State of Origin series opener against Queensland on Wednesday night.

Kennedy has been battling a hamstring injury all week and Gould admits the Newcastle star is no certainty to recover in time to make the trip to Brisbane.

But the coach is happy with the way Kennedy is progressing and says the Blues' preparations remains on track. NSW selectors will name a travelling reserve for game one after this weekend's round of National Rugby League matches, with Manly captain Steve Menzies and Bulldogs playmaker Braith Anasta the favourites.