Origin update

NSW centre Jamie Lyon will plead not guilty to a dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary in a bid to play in the first State of Origin match against Queensland on Wednesday week.

Manly's Lyon hopes to escape escape a one-match suspension for a dangerous throw over a tackle on Parramatta's Eric Grothe, who's indicated he will speak in Lyon's favour at the judiciary tomorrow night.

Queensland lock Dallas Johnson's spot in the opening State of Origin rugby league match is in jeopardy after being charged by the NRL match review committee today.

Johnson faces a one match suspension on a grade two careless high tackle charge for his hit on Bulldogs forward Reni Maitua during Melbourne's NRL win at Olympic Park last night. Unless he successfully contests the charge, or can get it downgraded, at the judiciary tomorrow night, he will miss the first Origin match against NSW at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday week.

Meanwhile, Bulldogs forward Willie Mason has praised NSW selectors' choice of Jarrod Mullen at halfback for next week's Origin I at Suncorp Stadium.

Mason says Mullen was destined to play Origin and believes the youngster will shine after being given his chance. Mason says he felt his Bulldogs teammate Hazem El Masri had done enough to be selected, but says selectors are opting for larger stronger wingers like Jarryd Hayne.