Walsh's huge nod after Ponga blow opens Origin door
Reece Walsh has the endorsement of the enemy for a State of Origin recall after incumbent Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was scratched ahead of the series decider.
Newcastle confirmed on Saturday the Knights star had suffered a lisfranc injury in Friday's loss to Canberra that will keep him sidelined until late in the regular season.
Ponga's injury potentially opens the door for Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane.
The Maroons' other option would be to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, after the Dolphins No.1 played centre and wing in the first two games.
Back-up centre Jack Howarth is out with appendicitis and Selwyn Cobbo has been dropped by Brisbane.
But Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi could be recalled after Billy Slater overlooked him for the opening two games.
Ponga's injury is a serious blow to the Maroons, given their game-two win in Perth had offered Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for the Sydney decider.
But five-time Maroon Walsh has made his case, again impressive in a third-straight Brisbane win later on Saturday as he continues to defy soreness in a heavily-strapped knee.
"I'm a Blue next Wednesday but I'd love to see him in that arena; he belongs in that arena," Broncos captain and former Blues half Adam Reynolds said.
"It certainly would give the Blues a few headaches and things to think about."
Reynolds has long urged the 22-year-old to play with more patience, something he admits is a fragile work in progress.
"It's sort of like my kids at times with him and Ez (Mam) out there; you've got to tell them a couple of times throughout the game," Reynolds said.
"But he brings a lot of x-factor to the team and you don't want to completely shut him off from that.
"You bite your tongue from time to time, but when things get a bit out of control you try and rope it in and get back to the game plan.
"I certainly love what he brings, and his energy all the boys feed off that."
Ponga limped from the field during the second half of the Knights' 22-18 loss, with the injury suffered on the opposite foot to the one he suffered lisfranc damage to last year.
On that occasion, he missed seven games for the Knights.
A similar timeframe would mean Ponga does not return until the eve of the NRL finals this year.
Despite being one of the best fullbacks in the competition, Ponga has been restricted to eight games starting for the Maroons since first wearing the No.1 in 2019.
Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday that Ponga would begin rehabilitation, "with the view to returning to play in the back end of the season".
Reece Walsh has the endorsement of the enemy for a State of Origin recall after incumbent Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was scratched ahead of the series decider.
Newcastle confirmed on Saturday the Knights star had suffered a lisfranc injury in Friday's loss to Canberra that will keep him sidelined until late in the regular season.
Ponga's injury potentially opens the door for Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane.
The Maroons' other option would be to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, after the Dolphins No.1 played centre and wing in the first two games.
Back-up centre Jack Howarth is out with appendicitis and Selwyn Cobbo has been dropped by Brisbane.
But Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi could be recalled after Billy Slater overlooked him for the opening two games.
Ponga's injury is a serious blow to the Maroons, given their game-two win in Perth had offered Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for the Sydney decider.
But five-time Maroon Walsh has made his case, again impressive in a third-straight Brisbane win later on Saturday as he continues to defy soreness in a heavily-strapped knee.
"I'm a Blue next Wednesday but I'd love to see him in that arena; he belongs in that arena," Broncos captain and former Blues half Adam Reynolds said.
"It certainly would give the Blues a few headaches and things to think about."
Reynolds has long urged the 22-year-old to play with more patience, something he admits is a fragile work in progress.
"It's sort of like my kids at times with him and Ez (Mam) out there; you've got to tell them a couple of times throughout the game," Reynolds said.
"But he brings a lot of x-factor to the team and you don't want to completely shut him off from that.
"You bite your tongue from time to time, but when things get a bit out of control you try and rope it in and get back to the game plan.
"I certainly love what he brings, and his energy all the boys feed off that."
Ponga limped from the field during the second half of the Knights' 22-18 loss, with the injury suffered on the opposite foot to the one he suffered lisfranc damage to last year.
On that occasion, he missed seven games for the Knights.
A similar timeframe would mean Ponga does not return until the eve of the NRL finals this year.
Despite being one of the best fullbacks in the competition, Ponga has been restricted to eight games starting for the Maroons since first wearing the No.1 in 2019.
Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday that Ponga would begin rehabilitation, "with the view to returning to play in the back end of the season".
Reece Walsh has the endorsement of the enemy for a State of Origin recall after incumbent Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga was scratched ahead of the series decider.
Newcastle confirmed on Saturday the Knights star had suffered a lisfranc injury in Friday's loss to Canberra that will keep him sidelined until late in the regular season.
Ponga's injury potentially opens the door for Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey, after his own return to form for Brisbane.
The Maroons' other option would be to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback, after the Dolphins No.1 played centre and wing in the first two games.
Back-up centre Jack Howarth is out with appendicitis and Selwyn Cobbo has been dropped by Brisbane.
But Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi could be recalled after Billy Slater overlooked him for the opening two games.
Ponga's injury is a serious blow to the Maroons, given their game-two win in Perth had offered Slater the prospect of keeping the team intact for the Sydney decider.
But five-time Maroon Walsh has made his case, again impressive in a third-straight Brisbane win later on Saturday as he continues to defy soreness in a heavily-strapped knee.
"I'm a Blue next Wednesday but I'd love to see him in that arena; he belongs in that arena," Broncos captain and former Blues half Adam Reynolds said.
"It certainly would give the Blues a few headaches and things to think about."
Reynolds has long urged the 22-year-old to play with more patience, something he admits is a fragile work in progress.
"It's sort of like my kids at times with him and Ez (Mam) out there; you've got to tell them a couple of times throughout the game," Reynolds said.
"But he brings a lot of x-factor to the team and you don't want to completely shut him off from that.
"You bite your tongue from time to time, but when things get a bit out of control you try and rope it in and get back to the game plan.
"I certainly love what he brings, and his energy all the boys feed off that."
Ponga limped from the field during the second half of the Knights' 22-18 loss, with the injury suffered on the opposite foot to the one he suffered lisfranc damage to last year.
On that occasion, he missed seven games for the Knights.
A similar timeframe would mean Ponga does not return until the eve of the NRL finals this year.
Despite being one of the best fullbacks in the competition, Ponga has been restricted to eight games starting for the Maroons since first wearing the No.1 in 2019.
Newcastle said in a statement on Saturday that Ponga would begin rehabilitation, "with the view to returning to play in the back end of the season".
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The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Papalii gets Origin comeback for ages, Hammer new No.1
Canberra veteran Josh Papalii has been ushered out of State of Origin retirement to give Queensland's forward pack fire and brimstone in the State of Origin decider. Papalii called time on his Origin career ahead of the 2023 series but will be named at starting prop when Billy Slater unveils his 17 for Origin III on Monday. The 33-year-old prop has been instrumental in the first-placed Raiders' charge up the ladder this year and will add extra vigour to Queensland's pack come July 9 in Sydney. Gold Coast prop Moeaki Fotuaika has been axed from a forward group who have struggled to match it with NSW in this series. The selection shock comes as the Maroons recall Brisbane star Reece Walsh as 18th man and put faith in Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow as Kalyn Ponga's injury replacement at fullback. The biggest surprise in the Maroons side is the elevation of Broncos journeyman Shibasaki to partner Robert Toia in the centres after a season where the 27-year-old has scored 12 tries in 15 appearances to ressurect his career. Tabuai-Fidow has played in the Queensland backline for the previous two games of the series and has helped the Dolphins rise into finals calculations following a poor start. His four tries in the 50-28 win over South Sydney at No.1 in round 17 sealed the deal. He has never started at fullback in nine Origin games but shifted there minutes into the 2024 series opener when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's high tackle sidelined Walsh. Tabuai-Fidow, who scored three tries that day, has indicated he is eager for another chance at fullback in Origin. "To have that No.1 on my back would be super special for me," Tabuai-Fidow said after the Dolphins' win over the Rabbitohs in his 100th NRL game. Walsh has been instrumental in reigniting Brisbane's season, with the Broncos winning all three games since he returned from the knee injury that scuppered his Origin chances earlier in the series. On Sunday morning, Maroons coach Billy Slater indicated he held no concerns over any lingering issues from the injury, pointing to Saturday's win over the Warriors. "I thought he moved quite well yesterday. The thing with Reece is he's dangerous with the footy in hand," Slater said on Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show. "But he's also dangerous by bringing others into the game." Walsh can also slot into the halves if need be and is the ideal 18th man. Maroons back Valentine Holmes downplayed a minor leg injury that prevented him from kicking goals towards the end of St George Illawarra's win over Parramatta. He will be named on the wing as planned. "It was just a little contusion on my knee, nothing bad, I obviously could still run," said Holmes, who rescinded goal-kicking duties on Saturday night. "I was just half looking after myself, making sure I'm not doing anything unnecessary." Canberra veteran Josh Papalii has been ushered out of State of Origin retirement to give Queensland's forward pack fire and brimstone in the State of Origin decider. Papalii called time on his Origin career ahead of the 2023 series but will be named at starting prop when Billy Slater unveils his 17 for Origin III on Monday. The 33-year-old prop has been instrumental in the first-placed Raiders' charge up the ladder this year and will add extra vigour to Queensland's pack come July 9 in Sydney. Gold Coast prop Moeaki Fotuaika has been axed from a forward group who have struggled to match it with NSW in this series. The selection shock comes as the Maroons recall Brisbane star Reece Walsh as 18th man and put faith in Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow as Kalyn Ponga's injury replacement at fullback. The biggest surprise in the Maroons side is the elevation of Broncos journeyman Shibasaki to partner Robert Toia in the centres after a season where the 27-year-old has scored 12 tries in 15 appearances to ressurect his career. Tabuai-Fidow has played in the Queensland backline for the previous two games of the series and has helped the Dolphins rise into finals calculations following a poor start. His four tries in the 50-28 win over South Sydney at No.1 in round 17 sealed the deal. He has never started at fullback in nine Origin games but shifted there minutes into the 2024 series opener when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's high tackle sidelined Walsh. Tabuai-Fidow, who scored three tries that day, has indicated he is eager for another chance at fullback in Origin. "To have that No.1 on my back would be super special for me," Tabuai-Fidow said after the Dolphins' win over the Rabbitohs in his 100th NRL game. Walsh has been instrumental in reigniting Brisbane's season, with the Broncos winning all three games since he returned from the knee injury that scuppered his Origin chances earlier in the series. On Sunday morning, Maroons coach Billy Slater indicated he held no concerns over any lingering issues from the injury, pointing to Saturday's win over the Warriors. "I thought he moved quite well yesterday. The thing with Reece is he's dangerous with the footy in hand," Slater said on Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show. "But he's also dangerous by bringing others into the game." Walsh can also slot into the halves if need be and is the ideal 18th man. Maroons back Valentine Holmes downplayed a minor leg injury that prevented him from kicking goals towards the end of St George Illawarra's win over Parramatta. He will be named on the wing as planned. "It was just a little contusion on my knee, nothing bad, I obviously could still run," said Holmes, who rescinded goal-kicking duties on Saturday night. "I was just half looking after myself, making sure I'm not doing anything unnecessary." Canberra veteran Josh Papalii has been ushered out of State of Origin retirement to give Queensland's forward pack fire and brimstone in the State of Origin decider. Papalii called time on his Origin career ahead of the 2023 series but will be named at starting prop when Billy Slater unveils his 17 for Origin III on Monday. The 33-year-old prop has been instrumental in the first-placed Raiders' charge up the ladder this year and will add extra vigour to Queensland's pack come July 9 in Sydney. Gold Coast prop Moeaki Fotuaika has been axed from a forward group who have struggled to match it with NSW in this series. 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"It was just a little contusion on my knee, nothing bad, I obviously could still run," said Holmes, who rescinded goal-kicking duties on Saturday night. "I was just half looking after myself, making sure I'm not doing anything unnecessary."
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Papalii set for Origin comeback as fullback call looms
Canberra veteran Josh Papalii is set to come out of State of Origin retirement and to the aid of Queensland's forward pack in the State of Origin decider. Papalii called time on his Origin career ahead of the 2023 series but is expected to be named when Billy Slater unveils his 17 for Origin III on Monday. The 33-year-old prop has been instrumental in the first-placed Raiders' charge up the ladder this year and will add extra vigour to Queensland's pack come July 9. Gold Coast prop Mo Fotuaika appears in danger of dropping out of a forward group that has struggled to match it with NSW's in this series. The selection shock comes as the Maroons weigh up whether to name Reece Walsh or Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow as Kalyn Ponga's injury replacement at fullback. Walsh has been instrumental in reigniting Brisbane's season, with the Broncos winning all three games since he returned from the knee injury that scuppered his Origin chances earlier in the series. On Sunday morning, Maroons coach Billy Slater indicated he held no concerns over any lingering issues from the injury, pointing to Saturday's win over the Warriors. "I thought he moved quite well yesterday. The thing with Reece is he's dangerous with the footy in hand," Slater said on Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show. "But he's also dangerous by bringing others into the game." Tabuai-Fidow has played in the Queensland backline for the previous two games of the series and has helped the Dolphins rise into finals calculations following a poor start. He has never started at fullback in nine Origin games but shifted there minutes into the 2024 series opener when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's high tackle sidelined Walsh. Tabuai-Fidow, who scored three tries that day, has indicated he is eager for another chance at fullback in Origin. "To have that No.1 on my back would be super special for me," Tabuai-Fidow said after the Dolphins' win over South Sydney on Saturday in his 100th NRL game. Maroons back Valentine Holmes downplayed a minor leg injury that prevented him from kicking goals towards the end of St George Illawarra's win over Parramatta. He is expected to be named as planned. "It was just a little contusion on my knee, nothing bad, I obviously could still run," said Holmes, who rescinded goal-kicking duties on Saturday night. "I was just half looking after myself, making sure I'm not doing anything unnecessary." Canberra veteran Josh Papalii is set to come out of State of Origin retirement and to the aid of Queensland's forward pack in the State of Origin decider. Papalii called time on his Origin career ahead of the 2023 series but is expected to be named when Billy Slater unveils his 17 for Origin III on Monday. The 33-year-old prop has been instrumental in the first-placed Raiders' charge up the ladder this year and will add extra vigour to Queensland's pack come July 9. Gold Coast prop Mo Fotuaika appears in danger of dropping out of a forward group that has struggled to match it with NSW's in this series. The selection shock comes as the Maroons weigh up whether to name Reece Walsh or Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow as Kalyn Ponga's injury replacement at fullback. Walsh has been instrumental in reigniting Brisbane's season, with the Broncos winning all three games since he returned from the knee injury that scuppered his Origin chances earlier in the series. On Sunday morning, Maroons coach Billy Slater indicated he held no concerns over any lingering issues from the injury, pointing to Saturday's win over the Warriors. "I thought he moved quite well yesterday. The thing with Reece is he's dangerous with the footy in hand," Slater said on Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show. "But he's also dangerous by bringing others into the game." Tabuai-Fidow has played in the Queensland backline for the previous two games of the series and has helped the Dolphins rise into finals calculations following a poor start. He has never started at fullback in nine Origin games but shifted there minutes into the 2024 series opener when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's high tackle sidelined Walsh. Tabuai-Fidow, who scored three tries that day, has indicated he is eager for another chance at fullback in Origin. "To have that No.1 on my back would be super special for me," Tabuai-Fidow said after the Dolphins' win over South Sydney on Saturday in his 100th NRL game. Maroons back Valentine Holmes downplayed a minor leg injury that prevented him from kicking goals towards the end of St George Illawarra's win over Parramatta. He is expected to be named as planned. "It was just a little contusion on my knee, nothing bad, I obviously could still run," said Holmes, who rescinded goal-kicking duties on Saturday night. "I was just half looking after myself, making sure I'm not doing anything unnecessary." Canberra veteran Josh Papalii is set to come out of State of Origin retirement and to the aid of Queensland's forward pack in the State of Origin decider. Papalii called time on his Origin career ahead of the 2023 series but is expected to be named when Billy Slater unveils his 17 for Origin III on Monday. The 33-year-old prop has been instrumental in the first-placed Raiders' charge up the ladder this year and will add extra vigour to Queensland's pack come July 9. Gold Coast prop Mo Fotuaika appears in danger of dropping out of a forward group that has struggled to match it with NSW's in this series. The selection shock comes as the Maroons weigh up whether to name Reece Walsh or Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow as Kalyn Ponga's injury replacement at fullback. Walsh has been instrumental in reigniting Brisbane's season, with the Broncos winning all three games since he returned from the knee injury that scuppered his Origin chances earlier in the series. On Sunday morning, Maroons coach Billy Slater indicated he held no concerns over any lingering issues from the injury, pointing to Saturday's win over the Warriors. "I thought he moved quite well yesterday. The thing with Reece is he's dangerous with the footy in hand," Slater said on Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show. "But he's also dangerous by bringing others into the game." Tabuai-Fidow has played in the Queensland backline for the previous two games of the series and has helped the Dolphins rise into finals calculations following a poor start. He has never started at fullback in nine Origin games but shifted there minutes into the 2024 series opener when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's high tackle sidelined Walsh. Tabuai-Fidow, who scored three tries that day, has indicated he is eager for another chance at fullback in Origin. "To have that No.1 on my back would be super special for me," Tabuai-Fidow said after the Dolphins' win over South Sydney on Saturday in his 100th NRL game. Maroons back Valentine Holmes downplayed a minor leg injury that prevented him from kicking goals towards the end of St George Illawarra's win over Parramatta. He is expected to be named as planned. "It was just a little contusion on my knee, nothing bad, I obviously could still run," said Holmes, who rescinded goal-kicking duties on Saturday night. "I was just half looking after myself, making sure I'm not doing anything unnecessary."
The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Same Blue-print as NSW unchanged for Origin decider
NSW have named an unchanged team for the State of Origin decider as Laurie Daley backs Brian To'o to recover from a knee injury in time to play. Jacob Kiraz replaces Canterbury teammate Matt Burton as 18th man in the only change to the game-day squad that lost narrowly to Queensland in Origin II. But as it stands, Kiraz will only play in Sydney on July 9 in the event of multiple game-ending head knocks or one caused by an act of foul play that results in a sin bin. Daley has retained Stefano Utoikamanu despite speculation he could replace the Melbourne prop with versatile South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi for Origin III. Koloamatangi had been 19th man for Origin II before a facial injury, and Utoikamanu was mostly quiet after being called up to replace the injured Mitch Barnett. Jarome Luai is also named at five-eighth despite missing Wests Tigers' loss to Manly on Friday night with an illness that required hospitalisation. 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The four-time premiership winner crossed for three tries and ran for a game-high 229 metres as the Blues' comeback fell short in Perth. Should To'o fail to pull up in time for the decider, uncapped Kiraz would likely be called into the game-day 17. Aside from To'o and Luai's fitness concerns, NSW's only major selection question appeared to be around the make-up of the forward pack. But Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, on staff with NSW as an adviser to Daley, intimated on Sunday that Utoikamanu would hold his spot in the 17. "I wouldn't imagine he'd be left out, to be quite honest, but we'll see what happens," Bellamy said after the Storm's win over Cronulla. Daley has made one addition to his wider 20-man squad, with Newcastle centre Bradman Best called in to camp. Best excelled in two Origin appearances to date and has been in form for the Knights since returning from a hamstring issue. He would only be called into the 17 in the unlikely event of a mid-week injury. Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa, Gold Coast centre Brian Kelly, Parramatta forward Jack Williams and Cronulla edge Teig Wilton will join camp as training players, but are not eligible for selection without NRL exemption. NSW: Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Max King, Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Isaah Yeo, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young, Stefano Utoikamanu, Jacob Kiraz (18th man), Lindsay Smith (19th man), Bradman Best (20th man) NSW have named an unchanged team for the State of Origin decider as Laurie Daley backs Brian To'o to recover from a knee injury in time to play. Jacob Kiraz replaces Canterbury teammate Matt Burton as 18th man in the only change to the game-day squad that lost narrowly to Queensland in Origin II. But as it stands, Kiraz will only play in Sydney on July 9 in the event of multiple game-ending head knocks or one caused by an act of foul play that results in a sin bin. Daley has retained Stefano Utoikamanu despite speculation he could replace the Melbourne prop with versatile South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi for Origin III. Koloamatangi had been 19th man for Origin II before a facial injury, and Utoikamanu was mostly quiet after being called up to replace the injured Mitch Barnett. Jarome Luai is also named at five-eighth despite missing Wests Tigers' loss to Manly on Friday night with an illness that required hospitalisation. It marks the first time NSW have named an unchanged line-up for a game-three decider since their infamous 2020 series loss. To'o's selection comes after the Penrith ace hurt his knee and required ice after the tight win over Canterbury on Thursday night. It threw the winger's selection hopes into doubt, but scan results on Sunday morning showed no major injury, leaving the Panthers to contact NSW and confirm To'o could be selected. To'o's training loads are nevertheless likely to be managed in the lead-up to kick-off in Sydney on July 9, with his fitness now in the hands of Blues medical staff. NSW have already successfully navigated two injury niggles this series, though, as Payne Haas and To'o recovered from leg problems in time for Origin I and II respectively. The chance of To'o playing will be music to the ears of coach Daley after the winger was the Blues' best in a tight game-two loss. The four-time premiership winner crossed for three tries and ran for a game-high 229 metres as the Blues' comeback fell short in Perth. Should To'o fail to pull up in time for the decider, uncapped Kiraz would likely be called into the game-day 17. Aside from To'o and Luai's fitness concerns, NSW's only major selection question appeared to be around the make-up of the forward pack. But Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, on staff with NSW as an adviser to Daley, intimated on Sunday that Utoikamanu would hold his spot in the 17. "I wouldn't imagine he'd be left out, to be quite honest, but we'll see what happens," Bellamy said after the Storm's win over Cronulla. Daley has made one addition to his wider 20-man squad, with Newcastle centre Bradman Best called in to camp. Best excelled in two Origin appearances to date and has been in form for the Knights since returning from a hamstring issue. He would only be called into the 17 in the unlikely event of a mid-week injury. Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa, Gold Coast centre Brian Kelly, Parramatta forward Jack Williams and Cronulla edge Teig Wilton will join camp as training players, but are not eligible for selection without NRL exemption. NSW: Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Max King, Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Isaah Yeo, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young, Stefano Utoikamanu, Jacob Kiraz (18th man), Lindsay Smith (19th man), Bradman Best (20th man) NSW have named an unchanged team for the State of Origin decider as Laurie Daley backs Brian To'o to recover from a knee injury in time to play. Jacob Kiraz replaces Canterbury teammate Matt Burton as 18th man in the only change to the game-day squad that lost narrowly to Queensland in Origin II. But as it stands, Kiraz will only play in Sydney on July 9 in the event of multiple game-ending head knocks or one caused by an act of foul play that results in a sin bin. Daley has retained Stefano Utoikamanu despite speculation he could replace the Melbourne prop with versatile South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi for Origin III. Koloamatangi had been 19th man for Origin II before a facial injury, and Utoikamanu was mostly quiet after being called up to replace the injured Mitch Barnett. Jarome Luai is also named at five-eighth despite missing Wests Tigers' loss to Manly on Friday night with an illness that required hospitalisation. It marks the first time NSW have named an unchanged line-up for a game-three decider since their infamous 2020 series loss. To'o's selection comes after the Penrith ace hurt his knee and required ice after the tight win over Canterbury on Thursday night. It threw the winger's selection hopes into doubt, but scan results on Sunday morning showed no major injury, leaving the Panthers to contact NSW and confirm To'o could be selected. To'o's training loads are nevertheless likely to be managed in the lead-up to kick-off in Sydney on July 9, with his fitness now in the hands of Blues medical staff. NSW have already successfully navigated two injury niggles this series, though, as Payne Haas and To'o recovered from leg problems in time for Origin I and II respectively. The chance of To'o playing will be music to the ears of coach Daley after the winger was the Blues' best in a tight game-two loss. The four-time premiership winner crossed for three tries and ran for a game-high 229 metres as the Blues' comeback fell short in Perth. Should To'o fail to pull up in time for the decider, uncapped Kiraz would likely be called into the game-day 17. Aside from To'o and Luai's fitness concerns, NSW's only major selection question appeared to be around the make-up of the forward pack. But Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, on staff with NSW as an adviser to Daley, intimated on Sunday that Utoikamanu would hold his spot in the 17. "I wouldn't imagine he'd be left out, to be quite honest, but we'll see what happens," Bellamy said after the Storm's win over Cronulla. Daley has made one addition to his wider 20-man squad, with Newcastle centre Bradman Best called in to camp. Best excelled in two Origin appearances to date and has been in form for the Knights since returning from a hamstring issue. He would only be called into the 17 in the unlikely event of a mid-week injury. Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa, Gold Coast centre Brian Kelly, Parramatta forward Jack Williams and Cronulla edge Teig Wilton will join camp as training players, but are not eligible for selection without NRL exemption. NSW: Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton, Latrell Mitchell, Zac Lomax, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Max King, Reece Robson, Payne Haas, Liam Martin, Angus Crichton, Isaah Yeo, Connor Watson, Spencer Leniu, Hudson Young, Stefano Utoikamanu, Jacob Kiraz (18th man), Lindsay Smith (19th man), Bradman Best (20th man)
