SYDNEY - Matt Orford's hopes of playing for New South Wales suffered a blow on Sunday with the Manly halfback overlooked for the City Origin No 7 jumper for Thursday's annual rugby league match against Country Origin in Coffs Harbour.
The City selectors plumped for Penrith halfback Craig
Gower to partner Braith Anasta in the halves, Orford paying the price for an ankle injury which disrupted his early season campaign with the Sea Eagles.
Gower and Country halfback Brett Kimmorley will now battle it out on Thursday as they stake an early claim to wear the NSW No 7 jumper in the State of Origin series opener on May 23 in Brisbane.
Both City and Country sides will feature plenty of new blood, with 10 players set to grace the representative stage for the first time this week.
Parramatta centre Timana Tahu was a surprise inclusion in the Country side, the former test back having thought his representative days were numbered after signing a contract to play rugby union next season.
He will partner Melbourne's Anthony Quinn in the centres with St George Illawarra Matt Cooper (concussion) and Ben Smith (virus) not considered given the short preparation for the match.
Similarly, the Country selectors decided not to take a risk on Dragons prop Jason Ryles (shoulder), with Sydney Roosters backrower Craig Fitzgibbon named in the front row.
The City selectors were also left with a dearth of options up front with Cronulla second rower Lance Thompson named at prop and Wests Tigers tyro Bryce Gibbs the only recognised front rower on the bench.
Bulldogs pointscoring machine Hazem El Masri beat out South Sydney flyer Nathan Merritt for a spot on the wing for City, coach Tim Sheens admitting El Masri's outstanding goalkicking played a significant role in his selection.
- AAP
