Who’s in and out of the NSW State of Origin team for game three: Brad Fittler swings the axe
Who’s in and out of the NSW State of Origin squad for game three: Brad Fittler swings the ax as form and injury plague the Blues for Sydney final
- Queensland won the series 2-0
- Pride is at stake for NSW
- A large number of players are shot upon redemption
Coach Brad Fittler has made a host of injury-induced changes to a New South Wales squad to avoid the embarrassment of a home state whitewash – along with a host of shocking selections.
The pressure is firmly on Fittler after NSW gave up the State of Origin shield in the first two games with some odd selections contributing to those losses.
Now injuries to key personnel have forced the Blues coaching series to usher in changes for the finals on Wednesday, July 12.
In perhaps the biggest shock, Parramatta skipper Clint Gutherson will be brought in from the bench as the Blues look to avoid a clean sweep by the Maroons at Accor Stadium.
South Sydney five-eighth Cody Walker has also earned a shock recall, with Penrith star Jarome Luai falling despite starring for his club against the Melbourne Storm at the weekend.
Cody Walker returns from a three-year exile to play for the New South Wales Blues again in Sydney’s third game
Bradman Best is a New South Wales bolter named after his side that beat the Bulldogs 66-0 on Sunday
Gutherson returns to the Origin arena after playing his final game for the Blues in the 2020 series, coming off the bench and being named for his versatility
Latrell Mitchell (calf) and Tom Trbojevic (pectoral) are both ruled out for the third State of Origin game due to injury
Reigning Dally M Player of the Year Nicho Hynes has been disqualified again after being dropped for the second Origin match despite having just 12 minutes to star in the centers in game one.
Another shock announcement was Bradman Best in Newcastle city center who beat Canterbury star Matt Burton aside after the Knights thrashed the Bulldogs 66-0 on Sunday.
He will finish in the three-quarter line with Stephen Crichton after Tom Trbojevic [pectoral muscle] and Latrell Mitchell [calf] were excluded.
South Sydney star Campbell Graham was ineligible due to injury.
“He’s ruled out,” Fittler said on Channel 9.
“I don’t think he’ll be playing for the Bunnies for a few weeks.
“So Campbell doesn’t qualify.”
Another big out for the Blues is Kangaroos prop Payne Haas, who suffered a hamstring injury in Saturday’s Broncos derby victory over the Dolphins.
He is replaced by Reagan Campbell-Gillard, an in-form Parramatta supporter, while Newcastle striker Jacob Safititi is on the bench.
Junior Paulo has been sensationally dropped, replaced by popular Blues teammate Jake Trbojevic, who will be a welcome addition after missing the first two games through injury.
The combination of two whores of Reece Robson and Damien Cook has been retained, with Robson also having the option of playing as a center or fringe striker.
Fittler’s future as New South Wales coach could be at stake in the dead rubber still of great importance to New South Wales
Popular Blues teammate Jake Trbojevic will be a welcome addition after missing the first two Origin games through injury
Star prop Payne Haas has been ruled out of Origin III after suffering a hamstring injury against the Dolphins
Hynes is the reigning Dally M Player of the Year and has sent the Cronulla Sharks to second on the NRL ladder but still couldn’t get a call-up for Origin III
James Tedesco retains his spot at fullback and captain despite concerns about his form and tough challenges from Dylan Edwards and Scott Drinkwater in recent weeks.
Wests Tigers supporter Stefano Utoikamanu will also make way after just 12 minutes of play in Origin II after his club side was thrashed by North Queensland by a record 74 points on Saturday.
South Sydney striker Keaon Koloamatangi will have the chance to prove himself at the Origin arena after being unavailable for the first two games due to injury.
Koloamatangi has already got a taste for representative football, playing four times for Tonga in the Rugby League World Cup and starring.
The withdrawals of Walker and Koloamatangi come at the expense of Tyson Frizzell and Hudson Young, who both paid the price for the hefty loss in Origin II.
NSW TEAM FOR STATE OF ORIGIN GAME II IN SYDNEY, JULY 12
There was no place for Jarome Luai on Brad Fittler’s team for State of Origin III in Sydney
1.James Tedesco
2. Brian To’o
3.Stephen Crichton
4.Bradman Dear
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Cody Walker
7. Mitchell Moses
8. Jake Trbojevic
9. Damien Cook
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11.Liam Martin
12. Keaon Koloamatangi
13.Cameron Murray
14. Isaiah Yeo
15. Jacob Saifiti
16.Recee Robson
17.Clint Gutherson