NSW selectors have rolled the dice and gambled on Test centre Mark Gasnier at five-eighth for next week's deciding State of Origin clash against Queensland in Melbourne.

But the bold move, aimed at adding some life to a stagnant Blues backline, almost backfired when Gasnier had to be rushed to hospital for scans on an injured hand.

Fortunately for Blues fans, the St George Illawarra three-quarter was cleared to take his place in a NSW side featuring five new personnel and three positional changes from the one embarrassed 30-6 in game two in Brisbane.

Craig Gower, Matt Cooper and Luke O'Donnell, who were all originally selected for the series opener, were brought back into the starting line-up while in-form pair Paul Gallen and Ben Hornby received well deserved call-ups onto the bench.

Sydney Roosters trio Brett Finch, Braith Anasta and Craig Wing paid the price for poor club form and disappointing performances in Origin II, with the NSW side without a Rooster representative for the first time since game three in 1997.

Brent Kite and Andrew Ryan were unlucky to also feel the wrath of the selectors who are keen on strengthening a Blues pack overrun in game two at Suncorp Stadium.

But it was the naming of Gasnier at five-eighth which caused most consternation - the Dragons star has only three full games at five-eighth under his belt.

"If it was going to be a big gamble for us I don't think we would have picked him there, I think we would have gone with an established five-eighth," NSW selector and assistant coach Laurie Daley said.

"Having Craig Gower inside him will certainly help him. Craig is a player that likes to run a team so for Mark the more times he touches the ball the better off NSW will be.

"While he'll be tentative early I think as the game goes on we'll see Mark Gasnier play his best footy."

Despite last week admitting to being surprised to see his name mentioned as a possible five-eighth option, Gasnier said he was ready for the challenge, believing he had enough time to develop an effective combination with Gower.

"It's something I'm definitely excited about," Gasnier said.

"It will be a different role to St George Illawarra. At the end of the day we've got 10 days to prepare for it and it's a matter of enjoying the week, coming together and putting the team in place.

"I've played six Origins now, I think I know what an Origin game's going to be like. Now it's a matter of understanding what Graham (Murray) wants me to do as an individual to try and help out the team."

With neither Gasnier nor hooker Danny Buderus possessing a noted kicking game, much of the onus with the boot will fall to Gower, back in the NSW side after a training collision with teammate Steve Menzies robbed him of a berth in the series opener.

Gower beat out Cronulla skipper Brett Kimmorley for the job after proving fitness with a strong game for Penrith on the weekend.

"We'll do a bit of work at training, the same core (of the side is) there," Gower said of his combination with Gasnier.

"He's played a bit of five-eighth this year and he's done a great job at it. He's a class player and I'm sure he'll step up and take on the challenge.

"It's a big call, I'm sure they know what they're doing and I'm sure that Mark can do the job as well."

Gallen's call-up is due reward for consistent performances for Cronulla with selectors hoping the Sharks backrower can give the Blues some impact off the bench.

Similarly Dragons utility Hornby will also be hoping to carry his club form into the Origin arena, his ability to fill in at fullback, hooker and the halves winning him the job on the bench.

"(Hornby) was always going to be the insurance man ... he picked himself the way St George have been playing," NSW selector Bob McCarthy said.

"I think they've won six in a row. The guys are in form, you've got to put them in."

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