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Rookies added to Fittler's NSW team for Game 2

Luke Keary (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
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Cronulla’s Matt Prior has come from the clouds to be named in the NSW team for State of Origin II.

Prior, Gold Coast forward Ryan James and Sydney Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary were included in a 20-man squad announced late on Saturday night by coach Brad Fittler.

The only player missing from the team who beat Queensland 22-12 in the series opener at the MCG is Penrith’s Reagan Campbell-Gillard, who broke his jaw on Friday night against the Roosters.

Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell will need to prove his fitness after suffering a neck injury in the same game, while Canberra’s Nick Cotric – 18th man for the Blues in game one – has been left out.

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan revealed Fittler only asked about Prior’s health on Friday night.

“He didn’t say he was in. He just said he was looking at him and asked a few questions about him, about how his health and fitness is, how many minutes he’s been playing,” Flanagan told AAP.

The stunning call-up for the 31-year-old comes after 11 seasons in the NRL, including a major role in the Sharks’ maiden premiership in 2016.

When Prior was overlooked that season, Flanagan thought his front-rower’s Origin chance passed by.

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“I probably thought (it passed him by). I thought in 2016, he maybe could’ve got a shot but it’s come now and hopefully he gets a game,” he said.

“It’s a good reward for him. In 2016 he was fantastic, he was the same in 2017 and he’s found his form again this year. It’s a great reward for a bloke who’s worked really hard for a long period of time.

“He’s tough and if he gets his chance, he won’t let anyone down.”

The Blues begin gathering in camp in Coogee on Sunday before beginning their seven-day preparations ahead of the match at ANZ Stadium next Sunday evening.

NSW 20-man squad for game 2: Josh Addo-Carr, Nathan Cleary, Damien Cook, Boyd Cordner (capt), Angus Crichton, Jack de Belin, Tyson Frizell, Ryan James, Luke Keary, David Klemmer, James Maloney, Latrell Mitchell, Tyrone Peachey, Matt Prior, James Roberts, Tariq Sims, James Tedesco, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Paul Vaughan.

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