Jennings, Scott set to miss out for NSW - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Jennings, Scott set to miss out for NSW

By Steve Jancetic 06/07/2011 09:37:17 AM Comments (0)

Speculation is growing that Michael Jennings and Beau Scott will be the two players left out of the NSW squad for the State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium.

Jennings was always considered an unlikely starter after injuring his ankle just the weekend after the series opener, but Scott's probable omission has been a closely guarded secret in the build-up to the pivotal clash.

NSW officials have used various excuses to explain Scott's limited involvement in training through-out the Blues' preparation for the game, but it is believed the knee injury he suffered in game two is still not right and may keep him out of the St George Illawarra for a few more weeks.

Manly backrower Glenn Stewart, recalled for the first time since 2009, is set to start in place of Scott in the second row, which will also confirm an Origin debut for Wests Tigers big man Keith Galloway off the bench.

Parramatta superstar Jarryd Hayne will move from the wing to the centres with Jennings out, with Brett Morris on the left flank.

The secrecy regarding the make-up of the NSW side has dominated the headlines leading into the game, but it's Queensland's gang of five - retiring skipper Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Greg Inglis - that is central to the thoughts of Blues coach Ricky Stuart heading into the game.

Stuart - who knows only too well the capabilities of thew quintet from his days as Australian coach - fears the Maroons' big guns could put on a show on the game's biggest stage as they look to send champion five-eighth Lockyer out a winner.

"The biggest dangers are going to be the four or five great players they've got," Stuart said.

"Darren's got a huge celebration on his hands but he will know his performance is more important.

"With the inclusion of Justin (Hodges), you've got JT, Billy ... the four or five players I keep constantly talking about, they're the best players in the world.

"We expect them to play their best game of footy.

"That's the biggest danger for us, those greats that they've got playing their best game and making it even more difficult for us."

Stuart described the match as the most important in the history of Origin.

"Because we have to try to turn the rot around," he said.

"It is not an easy job ... we're not expected to win so it's very hard to win when nobody gives you really much of a chance.

"I can understand why we're not meant to win. I really can. It's because of the quality of the Queensland football team."

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