The issue of dealing with head knocks has flowed into the interstate arena and, in the Blues' case, effectively ended the days of carrying four forwards on the bench. Jack Bird and Walker were given the role of super-sub during the last series, even though the latter didn't see much action in his Origin debut.

The James McManus and Brett Horsnell legal actions against their former clubs are timely reminders of the importance of following the concussion protocols, particularly given the scrutiny that comes with a mammoth television audience. Which is why Daley will again look for a utility back to cover all possible contingencies.

"You have to have someone on the bench that can play in the backs," Daley said.

"The way concussion laws are today, you need someone that can play centre, wing, fullback, five-eighth - several positions.

"It's so important you have someone that can cover, otherwise if you lose a guy through HIA [head injury assessment] you can really struggle.

"It's something we're looking at and you need to have. Last year we had Dylan Walker and then Birdy [Jack Bird] as the bench players. We carried a back last year and I know people were critical at times, but if you go with four forwards and you lose a back, you're buggered. Sometimes that fourth bloke won't get a lot of time, but he's just there for cover in case something happens."

Bird and Matt Moylan have the versatility to cover any spot in the backline, while Wade Graham could also provide halves cover if required. Mitchell Pearce is tipped to be the starting halfback but could cover hooker and half if used from the bench. The policy is a return of the "super-sub" role previously performed by versatile Blues Craig Wing and Kurt Gidley.

Speaking at the announcement of Leichhardt Oval as the training base for the Blues in the lead-up to Origin II, Daley said every contingency had to be planned for.

"Last year was a perfect example, even though sometimes that fourth bloke is hard to get on at times," he said.

Daley has just one more round of football to witness before naming his team for the series opener. As revealed by Fairfax Media, Latrell Mitchell could be a bolter despite being just one game back from a stint in reserve grade. The Roosters centre was back to his best against Parramatta and could come into the reckoning for a wing spot following the injury to Tom Trbojevic.

"It wouldn't worry me if I had to pick Latrell," Daley said. "He's a talented player, he's a super player and eventually he will play Origin. Whether it's this year in game one or next year or whatever, he's a kid that can handle it. He'd thrive."

Mitchell's selection would be one of the biggest bombshells in Origin history, although Daley wouldn't hesitate turning to the teenager.

"They'd respect him and know he was dangerous," Daley said.

"If you pick him they would be wanting to have a crack at him but he looks to me a kid that would handle it. We'll see how it pans out."

Wests Tigers skipper Aaron Woods and Gold Coast star Jarryd Hayne were named by their respective teams on Tuesday. There were fears injuries would sideline them but both are expected to be in Daley's side if they get through this weekend's football unscathed.