Craig Gower has done enough to win the coveted NSW No.7 jersey for the opening State of Origin game despite Blues officials keeping their cards close to their chest as injuries eat away at their options.

Heading into this weekend Gower, the incumbent Test half, and Kimmorley were locked in a neck-and-neck battle for the spot opened up by Andrew Johns' season-ending knee injury.

That job now appears Gower's despite the Penrith playmaker enjoying a weekend off.

"You can't make a wrong choice," coy NSW coach Phil Gould said on ABC Radio.

"Whichever one you pick is going to do the job for you."

When asked about Kimmorley's form over the past month, Gould said: "He's certainly staked a strong claim and you know you can rely on Brett Kimmorley in a big game."

NSW selector Bob McCarthy said the selectors would call for club doctors' reports in the morning before naming their side and claimed only two positions were wrapped up heading into Sunday.

That's because injuries have hammered the Blues.

Newcastle back rower Ben Kennedy is certain to miss Origin I after aggravating his hamstring injury on Friday night.

He is expected to be out for a minimum of two weeks.

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