Penrith five-eighth Jarome Luai has been dropped from the NSW team for the dead rubber third State of Origin game in Sydney next week.
33-year-old Souths half Cody Walker will now partner Mitchell Moses in the halves.
In one of the most bizarre NSW teams we’ve seen in recent years, selectors have also moved Penrith skipper Isaah Yeo to the bench, and called Parramatta’s Clint Gutherson into the 17.
Souths back-rower Keaon Koloamatangi and Newcastle centre Bradman Best have both been named in the starting side to make their debuts.
Jake Trbojevic and Reagan-Campbell-Gillard will start in the front row.
Despite his incredible form for Penrith, Fittler has again overlooked the best fullback in NSW, leaving Dylan Edwards out of the squad but calling in Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater, who is on the extended bench.
Spencer Leniu will finally get to experience a NSW camp, also named on the extended bench for the clash with Queensland next Wednesday.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
