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Jarryd Hayne - Source: Getty
NSW penpix ahead of Wednesday night's second State of Origin rugby league clash with Queensland at ANZ Stadium.
Fullback: KURT GIDLEY (capt, Newcastle)
Age: 26
Origins: 5
Newcastle's brainstrust since the retirement of Andrew Johns,
Gidley was impressive for the Blues in Origin one despite a couple
of glaring late errors. Not the world's quickest fullback but knows
when to inject himself and seems to have found his Origin
position.
Wing: JARRYD HAYNE (Parramatta)
Age: 21
Origins: 6
Did he or didn't he? Hayne's dash down the touchline in the opening
minutes of Origin I caused a ruckus when the video referees said
he'd grazed the touchline and ruled out his try. Was possibly the
Blues' best in Melbourne and his pace and power are a real threat
out wide.
Centre: JAMIE LYON (Manly)
Age: 27
Origins: 8
The complete centre in close to career-best form but comes into the
match under an injury cloud. Blues fans are happy to have him back
from a self-imposed representative exile and he's a key to matching
powerhouse Greg Inglis.
JOEL MONAGHAN (Canberra)
Age: 27
Origins: 1
Back in Origin replacing injured Michael Jennings after dropping
out of the Blues and Australian teams this year. Able to play
centre or wing, Monaghan's height and strength make him a good
match for the Maroons' big backs.
Wing: DAVID WILLIAMS (Manly)
Age: 22
Origins: Debut
The Wolfman isn't sure what colour his beard will be for the game
but his inclusion is an exciting one for NSW fans. Already a Test
international, Williams has explosive pace and and a knack for
finding the tryline as well as for wild facial hair.
Five-eighth: TRENT BARRETT (Cronulla)
Age: 31
Origins: 7
Back to the future for Blues selectors as Barrett's leadership and
creative abilities see him recalled to the Origin set-up after a
four-year absence. The Shark has the nous and ability to steer his
less-experienced teammates around the park, while taking some of
the playmaking pressure off halfback Peter Wallace.
Halfback: PETER WALLACE (Brisbane)
Age: 23
Origins: 3
Under pressure to perform after coach Craig Bellamy suggested the
Broncos No.7 was lucky to be in the squad. At his best Wallace is a
top-quality halfback with the ability to put the Maroons under
pressure. Will need to improve his kicking game after a poor
display in Origin I.
Prop: BRENT KITE (Manly)
Age: 28
Origins: 9
Made his Origin return after a controversial omission in 2008 with
a typically solid, if unspectacular, display in Melbourne. One of
the most experienced representative players in the Blues pack, Kite
will be expected to match the effort of Civoniceva, Price and
Co.
Hooker: ROBBIE FARAH (Wests Tigers)
Age: 25
Origins: 1
An injury doubt after damaging rib cartilage in Monday night's win
over Parramatta, you can bet after spending so long trying to get a
Blues jersey, Farah will do all he can to retain it. Was one of the
reasons for the Blues' strong second half in Melbourne with his
dummy-half play.
Prop: MICHAEL WEYMAN (St George
Illawarra)
Age: 24
Origins: 1
Elevated from the bench with Gold Coast prop Luke Bailey ruled out
with a broken arm. Weyman has made the most of his off-season
switch from Canberra to be one of the Dragons' best this year.
Second row: BEN CREAGH (St George
Illawarra)
Age: 24
Origins: 1
Was one of the Blues' best in Melbourne in an impressive Origin
debut. Scored a try and the rangy, wide-running back-rower appears
comfortable, bringing his outstanding club form to the biggest
stage.
Second row: LUKE O'DONNELL (North
Queensland)
Age: 28
Origins: 3
Keeping Test back-rower Anthony Watmough out of the Blues starting
line-up shows how much coach Craig Bellamy thinks of the Cowboys
enforcer. Enjoying a good run of football after an injury-ravaged
couple of seasons and looking back to the form which got him an
Origin nod for the first time in 2006.
Lock: PAUL GALLEN (Cronulla)
Age: 27
Origins: 5
The Sharks skipper is back in Blue after dropping out of the squad
before Origin I with a shoulder injury. The passionate Gallen
brings plenty of muscle and intensity to the Blues pack.
Interchange
JOSH MORRIS (Bulldogs)
Age: 22
Origins: Debut
A late call-up for the injured Craig Wing, Morris has been in
career-best form since his off-season switch to the Bulldogs. Has
pace to burn and the knack of finding the tryline regularly.
JUSTIN POORE (St George Illawarra)
Age: 24
Origins: 1
Cashed up after sealing a lucrative three-year deal with Parramatta
for next season, 2009 just gets better and better for Poore. Will
share the burden of matching veteran props Petero Civoniceva and
Steve Price with Weyman and Kite.
GLENN STEWART (Manly)
Age: 24
Origins: Debut
Finally gets the chance to don a Blue jersey after missing out on
Origin I through suspension. A Test back-rower and premiership
player, Origin remains the last proving ground for the Manly
star.
ANTHONY WATMOUGH (Manly)
Age: 25
Origins: 1
Strong and deadly anywhere near the tryline with his support runs,
Watmough gets another shot at Origin after his bad-boy reputation
saw him miss out on the past three series. Has the potential to be
devastating off the bench against a tiring Queensland defence.
