Given the shambolic nature of NSW’s build-up for State of Origin II, it seems only fitting that Craig Wing re-injured his hamstring while filling in for an injured teammate.

Wing was on Monday ruled out of Wednesday night’s must-win encounter at ANZ Stadium and replaced on the interchange bench by Bulldogs centre Josh Morris, who will make his Origin debut.

The hamstring Wing first strained while playing for South Sydney against Melbourne ten days ago looked like coming good in time for Origin II, but when Trent Barrett went down with a bad back on Friday, Wing was called on to fill Barrett’s role at training on Saturday.

At a wet and boggy Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford, Wing’s hamstring never stood a chance.

“I got through training on Friday, everything was fine, but unfortunately on Friday Baz got injured and it meant that I had to sub in and do more than I ordinarily would have done on Saturday,” Wing said.

“It really got me by surprise actually.

“I felt really good and after about an hour, I was doing all the contact and all the ball work, it (the hamstring injury) just came out of nowhere again.”

NSW’s troubles have been anything but a surprise given they took the precaution of naming three shadow players.

Michael Jennings was lost in the first week, while at various stages during a chaotic camp, Wing has been joined on light duties by Barrett, Jamie Lyon, Robbie Farah and Paul Gallen.

Being ruled out was a bitter blow for Wing, who had done brilliantly to work his way back to Origin footy after three years in the representative wilderness.

Not only did he get his sky blue jumper back, but Wing was one of NSW’s best in game one, with the Blues only clawing their way back into the game when he came on in the second half.

He was set for a much bigger role in game two where he was likely to play in tandem with starting No.9 Robbie Farah, but all those plans are now in tatters.

Wing said he would sit out South Sydney’s game against Newcastle next Monday night, but would be right to play against Wests Tigers the following Saturday.

That would have him in line for selection in game three, but Wing knows as well as anyone that NSW selection should never be taken for granted.

“Being out for a while you really appreciate each Origin you get and you take each one to be your last – you never know what tomorrow holds,” Wing said.

“I guess I’m very lucky I got to play that first one and I’m very shattered and disappointed that I’m missing this one, especially so close to the game.

“I genuinely thought I was going to be fine.”

Asked whether he was left cursing Barrett for forcing him to overdo it on Saturday, Wing said:

“I’m glad Baz is okay, I’ve let him know, but unfortunately for me, I’ll miss the game.”

© AAP 2012

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