Ryan Papenhuyzen was one of the stars of the 2020 NRL season and having returned to full fitness was banging on the NSW Blues door.
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But coach Brad Fittler has opted against changing up his bench, highlighting the versatility of players like St John's junior Isaah Yeo as key to his side's success.
Melbourne flyer Papenhuyzen and St George Illawarra's Cameron McInnes were pushing for a spot in the Blues lineup for Wednesday night's series-deciding contest, but Fittler has stuck with the lineup that delivered in a big way in last week's game two victory.
"There's a few blokes there, Gutho [centre Clint Gutherson] obviously moves around. Isaah has played centre. You go into the game to be positive then whatever happens you deal with it," Fittler said.
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An Origin series win would cap what has been a stellar year for Dally M Lock of the Year Yeo.
If the Blues are to win it would be a historic result as just two other Blues outfits have been three successive Origin series.
The last was a Blues side that included the likes of Andrew Johns, Danny Buderus, Anthony Minichiello and Matt King in 2003-05.
Prior to that, NSW sides in 1992, 93 and 94 became the first Blues boys to achieve the feat.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
