Roberts could miss for Blues with Achilles injury

Broncos centre James Roberts has suffered an Achilles injury during his side's 18-10 win over Parramatta on Thursday night, raising concerns over his availability for NSW in the Origin series.

The 25-year old has been one of the in form players of the competition and looked every chance of earning his first Blues jumper for Brad Fittler's team, scoring a thrilling first-half try against the Eels at Suncorp Stadium.

But he must now be considered doubtful to lineup for NSW after limping off the field last night just 20 minutes before the final siren.

The Origin teams for game one are set to be announced on Monday, and Broncos coach Wayne Bennett was optimistic about Roberts' outlook.

"He's been struggling with an Achilles since the start of the pre-season. He'll be right," Bennett told reporters.

"I'm sure he'll play if he'll get picked. Whatever pain he's got today will go away very quickly."

Despite his coach's backing, the prognosis did not look good for Roberts, who looked like he was in a world of pain on the Brisbane bench and was quickly put on ice.

Queensland had their injury problems too, with news breaking that Storm star Billy Slater had withdrawn from Melbourne's match against the Cowboys on Friday night due to a hamstring injury.