Frizell was one of five debutants selected by Laurie Daley on Monday and looked set to debut on the back of stellar club form.

However Daley instead opted for Andrew Fifita on a monster bench that also includes David Klemmer and James Tamou.

Frizell departed Coffs Harbour on Thursday and will take part in Friday’s captain’s run ahead of the Cowboys game.

McGregor said he thought his charge’s form warranted an Origin debut.

“I’m really disappointed for Tyson, I thought he’d done enough to get in that 17,” McGregor said.

“He’ll give his best, he always does each week, he’s an exceptional player. 

“The transition from the edge to the middle during games has been really successful for the last couple of weeks. 

“Tyson knows he’s in the top 18 for NSW he’s just got to push himself one spot further to get in that 17 and a few good performances in the next few weeks will really help that.”

Josh Dugan will now be the only Dragons player missing on Origin duty and McGregor said veteran Jason Nightingale will definitely fill that role with Kurt Mann to be left on the wing.

“That’s how they’ll lineup and that’s how they’ll play,’ McGregor said.

“Jason’s played fullback before for the club and has been very successful in that position. 

“He’s a very seasoned player, a very experienced player and that's what you need during [Origin] time. 

“We lose a lot of experience with Benny Creagh, Jack de Belin and Josh Dugan not playing so we need important people in the right positions.”