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Origin sides for Game II

The Queensland side to play Origin II:

Rhys Wesser, Matt Sing, Paul Bowman, Willie Tonga, Billy Slater, Darren Lockyer (c), Scott Prince, Shane Webcke, Cameron Smith, Steven Price, Michael Crocker, Dane Carlaw, Tonie Carroll.
Bench: Ben Ross, Petero Civoniceva, Chris Flannery, Matt Bowen

In a late change Bulldogs form centre Willie Tonga has replaced the injured Brent Tate in the centres. Since this side was announced Michael Crocker has been suspended and Corey Parker added to the squad in his place. Parker is likely to be on the bench with Civoniceva starting. Changes from the first game include Matt Sing in place of Justin Hodges, whos play in game I must rate up there with Origin legend Adrian Brunker for ineffectiveness and yards made. He was also made to look a fool against the Bulldogs last Friday before being sent off for a high shot, which in turn shows how crap the Warriors are after he carved them up the previous week.

Darren Lockyer will make his return at five-eighth and captain, pushing Chris Flannery to the bench and meaning Travis Norton misses out.

The New South Wales team for Origin II is:

Anthony Minichiello, Timana Tahu, Matt Gidley, Luke Lewis, Luke Rooney, Brad Fittler, Brett Finch, Craig Fitzgibbon, Andrew Ryan, Nathan Hindmarsh, Mark O'Meley, Danny Buderus(c), Jason Stevens.
Bench: Willie Mason, Brent Kite, Trent Waterhouse, Craig Wing, (Matt Cooper 18th man)

Sydney Roosters halfback Brett Finch has been called into the New South Wales State of Origin side to replace injured halfback Brett Kimmorley. Kimmorley was reported as having a hamstring injury earlier today and ruled out of Wednesday night's clash with Queensland at Suncorp Stadium. Both the Melbourne Storm's Matt Orford and St George Illawarra Dragon Trent Barrett were contacted by NSW selectors. Barrett, who only just returned from a hamstring injury, was said not to have recovered sufficiently to be called in and Orford was initially ruled fit enough to join the Blues but then it was revealed he required painkillers to play against South Sydney on Saturday night. So, at short notice, it was decided that Finch was the next best option because he plays with New South Wales five-eighth Brad Fittler at club level.

The biggest talking point in the Blues squad is the return of Freddie Fittler, who retired after the 2001 series. He comes in for the injured Shaun Timmins and was selected ahead of the Storms Scott Hill, who though he didn't play in the weekend declared himself fit for game II. Kimmorley comes in for the injured Craig Gower. Minichello replaces Ben Hornby after serving his punishment for the phone incident. Michael De Vere misses out because he is too crap, his place going to Timana Tahu with Luke Lewis shifting into De Veres centre spot. Jason Stevens replaces Ryan O'Hara, who had a very poor game in the opener in an unchanged forward pack which still has no room for Penriths Joel Clinton. Matt Cooper has been named as 18th man, replacing Kurt Gidley