New South Wales selectors today made just two changes to the starting line-up for the third State of Origin rugby league match, bringing in Cronulla duo Greg Bird and Paul Gallen.
Despite facing their first series whitewash since 1995 when they face Queensland at Suncorp Stadium on July4, the Blues opted for minimal changes from the side who lost Origin II 6-10 in Sydney earlier this month.
Bird was promoted from the bench to replace injured Sydney Roosters star Braith Anasta at five-eighth, while Gallen was named at lock for his first match of the series.
Melbourne prop Brett White was the only player axed from the side who lost the second match.
Newcastle utility Kurt Gidley, who suffered a shoulder injury in 25-18 Origin I loss in Brisbane which ruled him out of the second match, was recalled to the bench.
New South Wales team: Brett Stewart, Matt King, Jamie Lyon, Matt Cooper, Jarryd Hayne, Greg Bird, Brett Kimmorley, Brent Kite, Danny Buderus (captain), Willie Mason, Nathan Hindmarsh, Andrew Ryan, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Luke Bailey, Steve Simpson, Ryan Hoffman, Kurt Gidley.
