NSW Blue Glenn Stewart still optimistic about his chances of lining up in Origin decider

GLENN Stewart will this morning step up his bid to be fit for Origin III - but officials remain pessimistic about his chances of being available.

GLENN Stewart will this morning step up his bid to be fit for Origin III - but Blues officials remain pessimistic about his chances of being available.

Stewart tested out his injured left knee for the first time at WIN Jubilee Oval at Kogarah yesterday since he broke down last week.

Stewart is desperate to ready for next Wednesday's blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium after originally being told he'd spend up to a month on the sidelines.

Should Stewart, 28, run out of time, Dragons enforcer Beau Scott will start in his place. Scott's Dragons teammate Trent Merrin was yesterday cut from the 19-man squad.

Yesterday, Stewart walked two laps with former Blues hardman Glenn Lazarus before he hopped on an exercise bike. The Daily Telegraph then watched Stewart complete a series of sprint drills along the eastern sideline as his teammates took part in a field session.

He ran alongside trainer Craig Catterick and went no quicker than 40 per cent pace. Although Stewart still looked to have something left in the tank.

He will be required to increase the intensity with similar drills today to be any chance of heading north.

It is understood Blues officials were always of the opinion Stewart would be at long odds to recover, but still felt he deserved the opportunity to prove himself.

They will give Stewart the final call, but require an answer by Sunday at the latest.

Blues pair Josh Morris and Luke Lewis yesterday said Stewart could not be faulted when it came to doing everything to ensure he took the park.

"I think either today or tomorrow we'll know if he is playing or not," Morris said.

"I think he's a wonderful talent, he's got a great set of hands and a very good ball player. He keeps the defence guessing and allows blokes like myself to try and get the ball one on one."

Lewis added: "He's been training really hard, doing all his physio and getting his injury right.

"Hopefully come tomorrow he's (back to) full training and ready to go by Sunday afternoon.

"He's been basically making sure the boys have their heads on, and worried about their job. That's all we can ask of him, and he's basically doing everything he can do for himself to get right.

"He's been training away from boys and (the way) he's doing little extras has been outstanding - he's definitely doing everything Rick has asked of him and a little bit more."

Stewart's knee was heavily taped and was watched closely by Stuart and his support staff. He continually stretched and only ran for 15 minutes.

TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie said NSW remained $2.30 outsiders for next Wednesday's game, but Stewart's withdrawal wouldn't impact on markets.