Paul Gallen returns to skipper New South Wales in State of Origin II
Tuesday 9 June 2015 12:31, UK
New South Wales captain Paul Gallen and Brett Morris have been named in their starting line-up as they look to square the State of Origin series with Queensland.
Both players missed the Blues' 11-10 defeat in Sydney due to injury but return at the expense of Andrew Fifita and Daniel Tupou for the Melbourne Cricket Ground contest on June 17.
Hooker Robbie Farah has also been included despite being injured during game one and not playing since.
"I'm very excited about this group of players,” said Blues coach Laurie Daley. “We played well in game one, but not well enough to win.
"I'm excited about the challenge that awaits us. Not many of these players have ever played at the MCG. It's a fantastic ground and I'm sure they'll look back on it in years to come."
Queensland coach Mal Meninga has made one change to his starting team, with Daly Cherry-Evans replacing the injured Cooper Cronk.
Cronk, who kicked the match-deciding drop goal in the opening game, was ruled out with a knee injury, opening the door to Cherry-Evans, who caused uproar last week when he reneged on a four-year deal with the Gold Coast Titans to stay at the Manly Sea Eagles.
"Unfortunate circumstances for Cooper, he would have loved to play at this great venue," said Meninga.
"Daly Cherry-Evans has been there before and he will be looking forward to the challenge."
New South Wales: 1 Josh Dugan, 2 Brett Morris, 3 Michael Jennings, 4 Josh Morris, 5 Will Hopoate, 6 Mitchell Pearce, 7 Trent Hodkinson, 8 Aaron Woods, 9 Robbie Farah, 10 James Tamou, 11 Beau Scott, 12 Ryan Hoffman, 13 Paul Gallen (c).
Interchange: 14 Trent Merrin, 15 Boyd Cordner, 16 David Klemmer, 17 Josh Jackson.
Queensland: 1 Billy Slater, 2 Darius Boyd, 3 Greg Inglis, 4 Justin Hodges, 5 Will Chambers, 6 Johnathan Thurston, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans, 8 Matt Scott, 9 Cameron Smith (c), 10 Nate Myles, 11 Aidan Guerra, 12 Sam Thaiday, 13 Corey Parker.
Interchange: 14 Michael Morgan, 15 Josh McGuire, 16 Matt Gillett, 17 Jacob Lillyman.
