NSW may attempt to fly speedster Brett Lee home from New Zealand for the Pura Cup final if he is again named 12th man for Australia in the second Test.
The Blues meet Queensland in the domestic season decider in Brisbane on Friday which coincides with day one of the Test in Wellington.
NSW requests for Lee's services during a Test match have already been knocked back this summer, but Blues officials are considering a plan of action should Cricket Australia have a change of heart with the Ashes looming.
The Blues are examining how Lee can join the side late on the first day at the Gabba by getting him on a plane straight after the Australian XI takes the field.
"We wouldn't rule it out. They are on tour, and we don't interfere with Australian selections but if he is left out as 12th man, they are only a couple of hours away and we can give him a run. We would love to have him," NSW chairman of selectors Brian Taber said yesterday.
"We wouldn't call for it [to happen] because it may affect his chances of selection in the side, even though they have just won a Test match.
"It's a pity the games have to start the same day. Maybe it would work if the Australian selectors named a team the day before but they are probably not prepared to let him go until the morning of the game.
"If he could get back on a flight we would think about it."
Given the time difference and a three-hour flight, Lee would struggle to arrive at the Gabba before tea but armed with a five-bowler roster the Blues believe they would still stand to benefit on a Brisbane wicket.
NSW officials have publicly talked down the chances of Lee returning given their earlier rejections, pointing to an already well-performed pace attack.
But the Blues remain privately hopeful given the express quick's irresistible one-day form against the Kiwis and his need for five-day cricket ahead of an Ashes series.
Cricket Australia's chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said: "It doesn't make too much sense at this stage [to send Lee home] but we'll see what progresses.
"There'd have to be a request number one and it'd have to be ok'd by the coach and it's very unlikely that'd be the case."
NSW have named a 13-man squad to travel to Brisbane tomorrow, omitting second spinner Jason Krejza in expectation of a typically green Gabba wicket.
Ed Cowan returns to the squad and Fairfield-Liverpool all-rounder Grant Lambert has been included as a possible fifth bowling option.
Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell yesterday promised a "Test wicket . . . with bounce and carry" for the game.
Blues leggie Stuart MacGill, who lists Brisbane as his favourite place to bowl given the extra bounce available, was also assured of some juicy footmarks late in the five-day game.
"Its going to wear, there's no doubt about that," Mitchell said.
- IAIN PAYTEN