New South Wales Origin coach Anthony Magro has been forced to find replacement wingers after Round 15 with both Trent Pariah (Northern) and Luke Rooney (Gold Coast) being struck down with injury.
The blow is seen to be major to the New South Wales line up who used the Dally M leading combination of Gidley and Rooney to devestate the Queensland line up. While no other changes have been made to the side which claimed first blood with the 34-12 win.
Amos Roberts will take the field to replace in injured Pariah. Amos has been outstanding this season, working beautifully at Wellington and now Sydney after a mid-season trade.
Hazem El Masri was unlucky to miss selection in the first game after a brilliant season under his belt so far. A quiet achiever who is only looked at for his goal kicking abilities, however; is Central Coast's leading try scorer with 10 tries from 17 appearanances and a outstanding 72 from 81 conversion rate.
With a beautiful battle of halfbacks between Craig Gower and Matt Orford, it's unsure who will actually take charge for the game. Magro is training with both halfback, saying each is impressive as the other and it's very hard to make a choice between them. Many are saying that Matt Orford will take the #7 jersey this week with his Gold Coast experience, however; Craig Gower has always been said to be holding the Oilers future in his hands.
Sydney Oilers lock: Ben Kennedy has also forced himself late into the side at the expense of Luke Bailey. Many questioned where Ben Kennedy was last game when after he was guranteed a spot in the squad and missed City vs. Country. Favouritism has been shown towards coach Anthony Magro's son: Scott Magro who is quickly shaping up as one of the best young kids going around. Kennedy will come off the bench with impact.
1. Anthony Minichiello
2. Amos Roberts
3. Ryan Girdler
4. Matthew Gidley
5. Hazem El Masri
6. Trent Barrett
7. Craig Gower
8. Jason Ryles
9. Craig Wing
10. Mark O'Meley
11. Andrew Ryan
12. Craig Fitzgibbon
13. Scott Magro
14. Matt Orford
15. Ben Kenndey
16. Matt Adamson
17. Daniel Abraham
