The NSW Blues and coach Laurie Daley have chosen hooker Robbie Farah as replacement captain for injured skipper Paul Gallen, who was ruled out of the Origin decider on Friday morning.
Aaron Woods has come into the starting line-up to replace Gallen.
Daley is yet to confirm the final make up of the team to face Queensland, leaving the door ajar for stand-by player Boyd Cordner to join the team on the bench.
It’s rumoured that big man Cordner could come onto the bench to replace Josh Reynolds, boosting the forward stocks of the Blues for the must-win encounter to break the seven-year stranglehold of the Maroons.
While Daley and Blues coaching staff were prepared to give Gallen until Origin day to prove his fitness, Gallen has decided to withdraw early.
Daley commended Gallen on the move, saying “It was a courageous decison, putting the team before the individual … It was a selfless act and shows how much he cares.”
Loz confirms to the media that @robbiefarah will captain the side next Wed #uptheblues #Origin @aaronwoods11 starts pic.twitter.com/DLSTylWMpy
— NSWRL (@NSWRL) July 12, 2013
More to follow.
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