Panthers playmakers Nathan Cleary and James Maloney have been named in the NSW Blues side to take on the Maroons in the State of Origin decider next Wednesday.
There may be a question mark over Dragons back rower Tariq Sims, who is fighting a grade two dangerous contact charge in the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night, but NSW coach Brad Fittler has named him anyway.
The decision to overlook Knights prop David Klemmer – a veteran of 13 Origins who had a solid showing in game one – will raise the temperature of some Blues fans.
Klemmer is likely to return to the squad if Sims fails to have his suspension overturned at the judiciary on Tuesday night.
OAK Plus Post Game: James Maloney
NSW BLUES
1 James Tedesco (vc) (Sydney Roosters)
2 Blake Ferguson (Parramatta Eels)
3 Tom Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
4 Jack Wighton (Canberra Raiders)
5 Josh Addo-Carr (Melbourne Storm)
6 James Maloney (Penrith Panthers)
7 Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
8 Daniel Saifiti (Newcastle Knights)
9 Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
10 Paul Vaughan (St George Illawarra Dragons)
11 Boyd Cordner (c) (Sydney Roosters)
12 Tyson Frizell (St George Illawarra Dragons)
13 Jake Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Interchange
14 Dale Finucane (Melbourne Storm)
15 Tariq Sims (St George Illawarra Dragons)
16 Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
17 Wade Graham (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
18 Clint Gutherson (Parramatta Eels)
Coach: Brad Fittler
