BREAKING: Jarryd Hayne has been ruled out of the State of Origin 2013 series decider by NSW Blues team doctor Nathan Gibbs.
Hayne’s troublesome hamstring has failed to be right in time for the match, with a fitness test proving too much for the Parramatta Eels flyer on Monday morning.
Newcastle Knights winger James McManus was announced on Sunday as on standby for Hayne, and has now been called in to the squad proper for the match.
McManus is due to arrive in camp later Monday after playing in Mackay for Newcastle on Sunday.
The Scotsman hasn’t played Origin since his one and only less than memorable appearance in the sky blue in the 2009 series opener.
He comes into the side as one of the form wingers in the NRL, having scored five tries in the past two matches, including four in the round 16 win over Gold Coast.
While he comes in for Hayne, McManus will essentially replace Nathan Merritt, who was dropped after enduring a nightmare Origin debut in game two in Brisbane.
Earlier on Monday Hayne said he would need a miracle to play in the series finale, admitting Sydney’s big wet last week had hampered his recovery.
“Last week the weather didn’t help with how wet the track was – the last three sessions were real wet and boggy and I couldn’t really get much speed and volume,” he said.
“It was just putting that extra bit of pressure on my hammy which didn’t help.”
Meanwhile, Blues backrower Greg Bird arrived in camp late, limping heavily in a moon boot but still hopeful of playing in game three.
Bird injured his ankle playing for the Titans on Saturday night.
“I give myself a fighting chance,” said Bird as he made his way to the team medical.
– with AAP.
The Spectator
Roar Guru
im a bit baffled, G Stewart put his hand up not wanting to handy cap the side with drew himself, Bird, Gallen and Hayne must be bigger than the team to come in injured as they are when pulling out as hard as it would be would benefit the team, if only Loz knew how to coach. Gallen and Bird can be replaced, NSW won game 1 on the back of passion, sick of it mentality, I hope they can conger something cause NSW are now the very under dogs. Pinning our hopes on the injured. NICE.
Raugeee
Guest
I just watched highlights of Manly Parra match. I cannot believe for a second that Brett Stewart will not be in sky blue on the 17th. NSW desperately need a champion, I know QLD would be playing him. 2005 NSW rushed in Johns. There is an incredible dearth of experience in the Blues side - Snake has played in 3 Grand Finals for 2 wins. He has played 8 Origins for 3 wins = 37.5%. This is cleary an improvement on the 30% of games NSW has won since he started in 2007. Surely he must play!
up in the north
Guest
The NSW fans need to ask their selectors WTF? Who in their right mind thinks the halves is sorted? So The Hayne Plane is out - shame. Dugan is fullback again - damn shame. A couple of integral players like Bird & Gallen are under a cloud - shame. They chuck in some poor bloke to make up the numbers, fully knowing he's cannon fodder, now thats inexcusable. Wonder why a bloke like Lyons won't play rep footy.? Wonder why GI plays north of the border? Well look no further. It must be the old mate network which is the nswrl. Or QLD have a mole at BLUES CENTRAL and forces these insane selections. Or nobody remembers the sydney media talking up a NSW DYNASTY, way back about 10 years ago or so. That really peed off lots of people. Just copy what QLD do. What you cant hear me.? Hello?
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
Mitchell Pearce, the Phil Hughes of rugby league
Raugeee
Guest
That's why he replaced Inglis............ I'm just letting the long suffering Blues friends know that the unexpected can happen.
Gaz
Guest
Ferguson could be in, Hayne, Gallen and Bird fit and it still won't matter. Maloney and Pearce do NOT worry the toads. Mal has continuously picked the players that worry NSW and it works, but why do we keep picking the team around mediocre players? Sutton, idris (too late now) etc.. Are quick, big and strong players, they would make mal and co. think a lot more about the game than just, run at Maloney and let Pearce do what he wants he will find Slater on the chest in mid stride. Getting so sick and tired of this.
Djcooper
Guest
Excuses already!? The game hasnt even started yet.
Nico
Guest
My point, is that very often Sydney fans and callers tend to overlook Newcastle knights players and what they have to offer this comp. They don't get much talk time at all in the media, except for maybe big names like Boyd and others that recently joined the club. Glad you'll be supporting McManus. I also would love to see him kill it!
V.O.R.
Guest
Adam Mogg was from Queensland
Raugeee
Guest
Gee it would be good to see QLD pick a real smokey. How about Barba - that'd be fun!
The Koomz
Guest
I hope this is ploy by the blues with Hayne making a 11th hour return to the team. Fingers crossed.
eagleJack
Guest
No doubt scoring 4 tries in a match has skewed his output. When analysing a team I guarantee McM(a)nus is not one of the threats posed by the Knights team. Look he's there and ill back him to the hilt. I hope he kills it. And I actually do rate Mullen but fail to see what he has to do in relation to talk of wingers?!?!
nayfo
Guest
I think big daniel tupou from the roosters would do a good job on the wing, he is def SOO material. Maybe too early though perhaps next year
Nico
Guest
Totally agree on Pearce. How many chances will he get? We need to do better in the halves!!
Brett the manly fan
Guest
i would have gone with uate or ferguson on the wing,,,,,,but hopefull shane can live up to the hype faith is what we have got now nsw.......FAITH makes all things possible
Nico
Guest
He is the highest try scorer in the comp, just above Inglis i think! And most often he scores with a lot of work still left to do. He is great under the high ball and is VERY fast on foot. Not to mention his handy little line break stats!
Nico
Guest
I think you'll find if you can be bothered to check out the PVS (points player value system) that he is actually the highest in the competition!! It punches in a whole heap of stats and McManus leads. In your ignorance you obviously have missed his solid defence and try scoring ability. Look beyond Sydney teams, you'll be amazed at what you'll find. I can predict that you don't rate Mullen as a five eighth either...too funny!!!
Dave
Guest
not having him wont hurt the blues, the player they need to get rid of is the number 7 Pearce is living off his fathers reputation, he is not a SOO player in anyway shape or form, we need a number 7 who can take the game by the scruff of the neck like the toads do,
aaron
Guest
the nsw selectors have no idea they blame merritt for the loss yet that's how daley wanted him to play why is pearce Maloney stll there what a joke
oikee
Guest
Yeah, this is gettin easier by the day. Hanye out, Merrit the last scapegoat, now the Flying scotsman Mcmannus is next scapegoat. I also read this is Mitch (third man in.)Pearce last series, he should take Gals with him. hehe Papa got Gallen a nice pair of shoes go with that pigbag he gave him last game. I love this. They need to shorten the series to 4 weeks next year, this waiting around for nearly 2 months to give NSW a hiding is becoming boring.