Coach Phil Gould thinks it will be "tragic" if captain Andrew Johns isn't well enough to lift the State of Origin shield for NSW on Wednesday night.

But whether Johns recovers in time from a viral infection to play the final match of the series remains anyone's guess because the Blues gave away little.

Some sports bookmakers have even suspended betting on the match until they learn more about Johns' health.

The halfback was at least well enough to travel to Brisbane to join his teammates, hours after Bulldogs halfback Brent Sherwin arrived on standby for the skipper.

Johns attended NSW training at Suncorp Stadium but Gould said Robbie Kearns would take over as captain and lift the shield, which the Blues had already won from Queensland, if Johns was too sick.

"It will be tragic if he's not there but he'll live on. He'll be back," Gould said.

"Andrew is a real concern at the moment.

"He's got headaches, he's got neck aches, he's worried about all sorts of silly things there.

"I'm not confident.

"I'm trying to get the side ready with Brent Sherwin at halfback and that's my goal for the next 48 hours.

• Johns not certain for Origin
• Johns heads off Origin absence
• Pep talk piques Johns
• Johns named to make NRL return
• Johns rules as Blues bloody Qld
• Johns has nothing to prove: Gould
• League star Lockyer denies taking drugs
• Johns' manager says you go through me
• Mumps threaten Bulldogs' NRL kennel
• Gould: no problems with Johns
• Origin challenge no title fight: Lockyer
• Qld ignores Johns-Gould rift
• Johns to return for the Blues: reports
• Stosur struck by mystery viral infection
• Johns available to play for Australia
• Johns inspires Blues to Origin win
• Johns set to play against Panthers
• Joey gets the jump on Maroons
• Lockyer warns of Johns Origin precedent
• Johns wants Blues to stick with players
• Johns expected to start training
• League star Andrew Johns to wed again
• NSW gives Queensland the blues in Origin
• Archer infection, doubt for Tigers game
• Kimmorley 'next up' to replace Johns
• Johns back to save Blues in Origin II
• Johns throws scare into Blues camp
• Johns' last hurrah is Knights' gain
• No salary cap change to keep Johns: NRL
• Clouds loom over Kimmorley - again

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