Walker was ruled out on Thursday with a low-grade calf strain but the Rabbitohs confirmed in a statement they were taking a cautious approach due to the club’s bye in Round 13.

The 2023 Blues representative is expected to return in Round 14 and will be available to play if selected in the NSW Origin squad.

Blues contender Kotoni Staggs remains hopeful of being available for Origin selection despite being ruled out of the Broncos’ Round 12 clash against the Titans on Sunday.

The Broncos confirmed on Tuesday that the star centre will be rested until Round 14 after suffering a fractured rib in the first half of the Magic Round clash with Manly.

Coach Kevin Walters said the club was taking a cautious approach with their Round 13 bye in mind.

“It is an injury that you can play with and we know that Kotoni is a tough player but I’ve taken that decision out of his hands,” Walters said.

“He will be far better to miss this week and then let it continue to heal over the bye round before we get back into it against the Sharks in Round 14.”

With the Blues’ side for Game One to be chosen on Monday and the game still two weeks away, Staggs remains very much in the picture, especially with Knights centre Bradman Best ruled out for a month with a hamstring injury.