Interim Eels coach Trent Barrett says it’d be a “big ask” to expect Mitchell Moses to play in the State of Origin series opener, but backed his injured playmaker to get the job done if he’s selected to represent NSW for game one on June 5.

Moses hasn’t played since round three after he fractured his foot in the win over Manly, but he’s shown he can play through the pain after getting through 70 minutes with a fractured back in his Origin debut in 2021.

The Eels playmaker handled himself well last year and would be the obvious replacement for the injured Nathan Cleary, but it’d be a massive gamble from rookie Blues coach Michael Maguire to pick him given he’s been out for a couple of months.

Barrett confirmed Moses and fullback Clint Gutherson will be named for next week’s game against Cronulla, with the No.7 now a remote chance of being named for NSW with Sharks star Nicho Hynes (calf) failing to finish Saturday night’s loss to Penrith.

Hynes was expected to start against the Maroons but is now in serious doubt with questions over how much he’ll be able to train next week.

“I’d never want to rule anyone out – that’s not my call – but it would be a big ask given the injury Mitch had,” Barrett said.

“It was pretty significant and he’s got a plate in his foot and hasn’t really completed a full week of training yet – this is his big week (coming up) – so to throw him into that would be a big ask.

“Mitch is a terrific player, and I’m unsure what they’ll do.”

Moses partnered Cody Walker in game three last year, with the Rabbitohs five-eighth also a chance of being picked despite not facing the Eels due to a calf complaint.

“Cody is going to have to run on Monday, and we go from there,” interim South Sydney coach Ben Hornby said.

“If he runs on Monday and is no good, then he’s no good. If he runs on Monday and he’s okay, then you go the next step.

“I’m expecting Latrell and Cody to make the team. I think they’re good enough players and they’ve shown before they should make the team.

“I know who I wouldn’t want to be playing against if I was playing.”