NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire has sprung a selection shock, dropping Haumole Olakau’atu for Origin III.
The Manly second-rower will make way for Warriors forward Mitch Barnett who will make his Blues debut.
Barnett has been a reserve squad member for the Blues in Origin I and II but his 208 run-metres and 51 tackles over 80 minutes against the Bulldogs on Saturday meant he had to be selected.
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Haumole Olakau’atu has been dropped by Michael Maguire. Getty
Bradman Best has also been recalled in the centres, replacing the injured Latrell Mitchell.
The Knights star made his debut in Origin III last year under Brad Fittler and scored a double.
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Best suffered a hamstring injury earlier this year during Magic Round and didn’t return for the Knights until round 15, which saw him unavailable for the Origin opener.
The 22-year-old has been one of the Knights’ best since coming back, notably scoring a double against Parramatta in round 17.
No reserves have been named by Maguire yet with the 20-man squad to be finalised by midday tomorrow.
NSW Blues Game 3 team
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Brian To’o 3. Bradman Best 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Zac Lomax 6. Jarome Luai 7. Mitchell Moses 8. Jake Trbojevic (c) 9. Reece Robson 10. Payne Haas 11. Liam Martin 12. Angus Crichton 13. Cameron Murray 14. Connor Watson 15. Isaah Yeo 16. Mitchell Barnett 17. Spencer Leniu