Teenage scrumhalf Mitchell Pearce was named yesterday to make his State of Origin debut for New South Wales against Queensland in next week's third and deciding match of the rugby league series.
Pearce, 19, will combine with Sydney Roosters teammate Braith Anasta in a new halves pairing for the July 2 match, replacing the injured Peter Wallace and Greg Bird who were part of the New South Wales team trounced by Queensland in game two. New South Wales had earlier scored an upset win in the opening game of the series which is now tied 1-1.
Canberra's Joel Monaghan was also named to make his State of Origin debut in place of the injured Mark Gasnier.
Winger Jarryd Hayne replaces Steve Turner after missing game two through injury, while Willie Mason will play in the front row and Craig Fizgibbon will move from the front to the second row.
Prop Ben Cross will return from injury to claim a place on the bench ahead of Newcastle teammate Steve Simpson.
Queensland named an unchanged 17-man squad from the one which beat New South Wales by a record-equaling 30-0 scoreline in game two.
Hooker Cameron Smith will captain the team at Sydney's ANZ Stadium in the continued absence of Darren Lockyer who has a knee injury.
In 13 previous visits to ANZ Stadium, Queensland has managed only one win and has had one draw and 11 losses.
Lineups:
New South Wales: Brett Stewart, Jarryd Hayne, Joel Monaghan, Matt Cooper, Anthony Quinn, Braith Anasta, Mitchell Pearce, Willie Mason, Danny Buderus, captain, Brett White, Craig Fitzgibbon, Ryan Hoffman, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Kurt Gidley, Anthony Laffranchi, Ben Cross, Anthony Tupou.
Queensland: Karmichael Hunt, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Brent Tate, Israel Folau, Johnathan Thurston, Scott Prince, Steve Price, Cameron Smith, captain, Petero Civoniceva, Michael Crocker, Ashley Harrison, Dallas Johnston. Interchange: Billy Slater, Ben Hannant, Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday.
