NSW centre Matthew Gidley sent a scare through an already-rattled Blues camp when he failed to complete training - only 24 hours after Brett Kimmorley was forced out of the second State of Origin game with a torn hamstring.

Gidley left the training paddock with 10 minutes remaining to ice a thigh injury, although it's expected the Novocastrian will be fit to take his place in the NSW side for Wednesday night's game at Suncorp Stadium.

The Gidley injury emerged as NSW coach Phil Gould revealed the impact Kimmorley's withdrawal would have on the Blues and Queensland prop Shane Webcke talked about the confidence boost the Maroons had received with Darren Lockyer's return.

St George Illawarra centre Matt Cooper, in camp with the Blues as an 18th man, took Gidley's place for the remainder of Monday's session.

"He's had a stiff quadricep for a couple of weeks and he felt a twinge which isn't a good sign," Gould said of Gidley.

"A lot will depend on how he cools down but we have Matty Cooper there.

"If anything happens I wouldn't be afraid to use him."

Gidley's injury was the last thing NSW needed after the events of Sunday.

When Kimmorley collapsed at training, NSW officials approached St George Illawarra captain Trent Barrett and Melbourne's Matt Orford, who were both unavailable due to injury.

Sydney Roosters halfback Brett Finch was eventually given the nod.

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