NSW star Nathan Cleary was playing injured during Origin II with his kicking game purposely limited during the state's 26-24 defeat to Queensland in Perth.
The Panthers gun was seen with a compression bandage around the top part of his upper right leg throughout the match at Optus Stadium.
It was also noticeable that Cleary gave up his goalkicking role to Zac Lomax, while Jarome Luai and Latrell Mitchell were used as last-tackle kicking options on numerous occasions.
While Cleary will already miss Penrith's NRL match against the Warriors this weekend because of Origin duties, NSW coach Laurie Daly did confirm the player was feeling a 'bit tight in the groin'.
MORE: State of Origin 2025 Game 2: New South Wales Blues player ratings
"We wanted to limit the amount of force that he (Cleary) put through there," Daley said in his post-match press conference.
Despite appearing to be limited by his kicking, Cleary's running didn't appear to be affected during the match.
Penrith will be desperately hoping there is no significant issue with Cleary's groin as they make a charge to be a finals contender in season 2025.
After spending the majority of the season outside of the eight, the Panthers have won their last two matches and sit in ninth position on the NRL ladder.
The next match Cleary can be available for is the blockbuster Round 17 clash against the league-leading Bulldogs at Panthers Stadium next Friday night.