The next 72 hours are shaping as make or break for Nathan Cleary's desperate attempt to be passed fit for State of Origin III as he prepares to resume running.

Cleary is fighting a Friday deadline imposed on him by Blues coach Brad Fittler as he battles an ankle injury ahead of Wednesday week's decider at ANZ Stadium.

Spotlight: Nathan Cleary addresses the media in Sydney on Tuesday morning. Credit:AAP

The 21-year-old joined his teammates for the official team photo at North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club on Tuesday morning but will be scrubbed from the picture if he can't prove to Blues hierarchy that he won't be a liability.

The No.7 was upbeat when he faced the press, saying he was increasingly confident after last week being cleared of a syndesmosis injury, which could have required surgery.