The team will be announced at half-time in the Canberra-Canterbury game. Asked where the uncertainty lay, McCarthy replied: ''Props, winger and centre.''
Penrith's Michael Jennings is set to return to the centres after playing two games of last year's series. He could play on the left or right, depending on whether St George Illawarra's Beau Scott is retained on the right.
Canterbury's Josh Morris is back in the frame for selection. The reunion of Morris and Jennings would provide NSW with the same centres pairing that helped them avoid a Queensland clean sweep last year. It could also allow Morris to play alongside his brother, winger Brett. Nathan Merritt (South Sydney) and Michael Gordon (Penrith) are competing for the other wing spot. Up front, Cronulla's Kade Snowden, Parramatta's Tim Mannah and Manly's Jason King are strong contenders for promotion.
THE TEAM
Possible NSW line-up for Origin III:
1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Brett Morris
3. Josh Morris
4. Michael Jennings
5. Nathan Merritt
6. Trent Barrett (c)
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Kade Snowden
9. Michael Ennis
10. Jason King
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Luke Lewis
13. Paul Gallen
Reserves: Kurt Gidley, Greg Bird, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Tim Mannah