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Haas out as Blues bank on McLean in Origin decider

Jordan McLean of the Cowboys in action during the round two NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canberra Raiders at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on March 19, 2022, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Payne Haas won’t play for NSW in State of Origin III with Jordan McLean named to replace him in the series decider at Suncorp Stadium.

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NSW coach Brad Fittler has labelled Jordan McLean an “unsung hero” and hopes the North Queensland prop can channel his club form into a long-awaited State of Origin debut.

McLean, who replaces the injured Payne Haas at prop, was preferred to Parramatta’s Reagan Campbell-Gillard to play in the series decider at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday week.

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The Blues are aiming to win a decider in Brisbane for the first time since 2005, having lost game one in Sydney before beating Queensland in Perth in game two.

McLean had been close to NSW selection in 2017 but only earned a recall to Fittler’s extended squad for Origin II.

At 30, McLean, who has won eight caps for Australia, will become the sixth oldest Blues debutant in State of Origin history.

“A few years ago I remember talking to a few players in a room and he was one of those young players that was about to make his debut and he never quite got there,” Fittler said on Monday.

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“To watch what he’s done this year, he’s been outstanding. What he’s been doing for the Cowboys – he’s an unsung hero.

“(It shows) if you get to 30 – it’s never too late. His form, along with the North Queensland team hasn’t been great over the last couple of years. (But) the whole club has been unbelievable (in 2022) and he’s a big part of that.”

Haas has been ruled out with a shoulder injury that has plagued him all season and was reaggravated in Brisbane’s loss to North Queensland on Saturday.

Fittler conceded Haas’ absence would affect how he used his bench which is composed of hooker Damien Cook, forwards Angus Crichton and Junior Paulo as well as the versatile Siosifa Talakai.

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“He (Haas) has done a pretty remarkable job with Brisbane and Origin over the last couple of months,” Fittler said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes at the back end of the year. We’ll have to have a look at that (interchanges). He gives you the luxury of playing him longer.”

Aside from the inclusion of McLean, Fittler’s squad is unchanged from Perth.

The big talking point after Latrell Mitchell’s withdrawal from Origin III was whether Jack Wighton would force his way back into a role in the centres.

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Wighton was one of the Blues’ best in game one but after contracting COVID-19, missed out on the trip to Perth.

Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton have kept their starting spots and Talkai has held onto his bench role with Wighton consigned to 18th man.

“That was a tough one, Siosifa gives us versatility on the bench and that’s why we went with him instead of Jack,” Fittler said.

“What Matt did in the second game offered us a little bit more, and what Jack brings is different to what Matt brings.”

The uncapped trio of Nicho Hynes, Jacob Saifiti and Reece Robson round out the extended squad along with Parramatta’s Clint Gutherson.

NSW TEAM FOR ORIGIN III

James Tedesco (capt), Brian To’o, Matt Burton, Stephen Crichton, Daniel Tupou, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Jordan McLean, Api Koroisau, Jake Trbojevic, Cameron Murray, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo. Bench: Damien Cook, Angus Crichton, Junior Paulo, Siosifa Talakai. Reserves: Jack Wighton, Nicho Hynes, Clint Gutherson, Jacob Saifiti, Reece Robson.

By: George Clarke, AAP

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R
RedWarrior 32 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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