Overnight Wrap

Newcastle halfback Jarrod Mullen will miss two to three weeks with a torn calf muscle, virtually ruling him out of Origin II for NSW at Telstra Stadium on June 13.

Knights officials have confirmed Mullen's suffered a calf muscle tear and will be unable to play for at least two weeks. With the NSW team to be named on Tuesday, Mullen is walking a tightrope to retain his spot in the Blues squad with selectors unlikely to gamble on a halfback unable to train for most of the preparation.

Mullen, 20, says he won't rush to play against the Sydney Roosters at Gosford on Saturday night even if it costs him his sky blue jersey. Manly halfback Matt Orford and Cronulla's Brett Kimmorley are considered the two contenders to replace Mullen for the Blues.

Over at the Bulldogs, and coach Steve Folkes says he will speak to senior players at training today as claims of unrest continue to plague the struggling club. There have been rumours circulating the Bulldogs board were planning to oust Folkes and chief executive Malcolm Noad.

The coach is also facing accusations senior players were upset at the handling of contract negotiations for hookers Adam Perry and Corey Hughes. Willie Mason, Reni Maitua and Mark O'Meley questioned the club's handling of the negotiation process for Perry and Hughes in the current issue of Rugby League Week magazine.

Folkes told Southern Cross radio that players commenting on teammates contracts was "out of bounds" and he would speak to them at training. Bulldogs board deputy chairman Peter Casilles posted a statement on the club's website yesterday refuting claims the board were trying to sack both Folkes and Noad.

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