NSW has unveiled a fresh-new side to halt Queensland's three year State of Origin domination - but already there are dramas over the Blues' back-row. Selectors have put a broom through the NSW ranks, with 14 players who turned out for the state in Origin I last year dropped from this year's side.
NSW will send out eight Origin debutants - James McManus, Michael Jennings, Glenn Stewart, Terry Campese, Robbie Farah, Ben Creagh, Michael Weyman and Justin Poore - in a team hell-bent on attacking the Maroons.
Glenn Stewart has been named at lock with Luke O'Donnell and Paul Gallen in the second-row - but Stewart and Gallen find themselves in doubt for the June 3 opener at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium.
NSW team for State of Origin I on June 3 in Melbourne:
Kurt Gidley (c), James McManus, Jamie Lyon, Michael Jennings, Jarryd Hayne, Terry Campese, Peter Wallace, Brent Kite, Robbie Farah, Luke Bailey, Paul Gallen, Luke O’Donnell, Glenn Stewart. Interchange: Craig Wing, Justin Poore, Michael Weyman, Ben Creagh
Gallen though is in doubt for the game after having an MRI scan yesterday on a shoulder injury sustained playing for Cronulla against St George Illawarra last Saturday.
He has told Cronulla officials the bruising could settle after four days - or four weeks.
Stewart was yesterday charged with a grade one dangerous throw on Gold Coast five-eighth Mat Rogers during Sunday's match at Skilled Park.
He is facing a one match suspension - ruling him out of Origin I with Manly having the bye this weekend. Stewart must plead not guilty and fight the charge at an judiciary hearing tomorrow night to have any chance of playing.
He is expected to be represented by leading Sydney SC Geoff Bellew.
O'Donnell's inclusion meant the omission of Australian back-rower Anthony Laffranchi, who played for the Kangaroos against New Zealand just three weeks ago.
Last year's team for State of Origin I:
Brett Stewart, Jarryd Hayne, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Anthony Quinn, Greg Bird, Peter Wallace, Brett White, Danny Buderus (capt), Ben Cross, Ryan Hoffman, Willie Mason, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Anthony Laffranchi, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon, Ben Hornby.
