State of Origin: Paul Gallen calls time on New South Wales career
By AFP
Last Updated: 13/07/16 10:48am
New South Wales are desperate to salvage some pride and send retiring captain Paul Gallen out in style in Wednesday's third and final State of Origin match of this year's series against Queensland.
The Maroons have already sealed their 10th series win in 11 years after a 26-16 success in Brisbane last month, which followed a 6-4 triumph in the opener in Sydney.
After yet another failed campaign, New South Wales have added James Tedesco, Wade Graham and Josh Dugan to a freshened side as they look to avoid a series whitewash.
Tedesco replaces Matt Moylan at full-back, while Dugan returns from injury. Graham has received his Origin call-up at the expense of Greg Bird after returning from suspension.
The long-serving Gallen will line-up for his 24th and last Origin match, with a special video tribute set to be aired immediately before the game at ANZ Stadium.
Coach Laurie Daley said his captain would leave a legacy "of giving his best".
"I don't think anyone could ever question that. He goes out there and leaves nothing in the tank," said Daley.
"He's been a true warrior through difficult times but he's aimed up every time he's pulled on a sky blue jersey which I think the boys appreciate.
"They know how much this game means to him personally and it'll be great for them to not only win for Gal but win for the state because it'll give everyone a great deal of optimism."
Queensland captain Cameron Smith is keen to spoil Gallen's party and is adamant there will be no let up from his side, with a 3-0 whitewash the aim to ensure New South Wales do not carry self-belief into next year's series.
"There is no lack of motivation. We spoke about our mindset towards this match and where it needs to be at and I don't see any issues," he said.
"We can't afford not to put in a good performance because that can give them a bit of self belief and momentum into next series."
Queensland have made two changes from the Brisbane match with Gavin Cooper set to make his Origin debut.
Nate Myles has recovered from a knee problem but Michael Morgan and Josh Papalii are unavailable due to injury.
New South Wales: 1 James Tedesco, 2 Blake Ferguson, 3 Michael Jennings, 4 Josh Dugan, 5 Josh Mansour, 6 James Maloney, 7 Adam Reynolds; 8 Aaron Woods, 9 Robbie Farah, 10 Paul Gallen (c), 11 Wade Graham, 12 Josh Jackson, 13 Tyson Frizell.
Interchange: 14 Jack Bird, 15 James Tamou, 16 David Klemmer, 17 Andrew Fifita.
Queensland: 1 Darius Boyd, 2 Corey Oates, 3 Greg Inglis, 4 Justin O'Neill, 5 Dane Gagai, 6 Johnathan Thurston, 7 Cooper Cronk; 8 Matt Scott, 9 Cameron Smith (c), 10 Nate Myles, 11 Sam Thaiday, 12 Matt Gillett, 13 Corey Parker.
Interchange: 14 Josh McGuire, 15 Gavin Cooper, 16 Aidan Guerra, 17 Jacob Lillyman.