Paul Gallen confers with medical staff and coach Laurie Daley over his injury. Source: DEAN LEWINS / AAP
WHEN Paul Gallen made an early morning call to Laurie Daley, the New South Wales coach realised he would be without his skipper for the State of Origin decider.
Can the Blues win the Origin decider without Paul Gallen?
Daley said up until then indications from Gallen had been positive that he would be right to play at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday but a fitness test soon after his call delivered only bad news for the Blues.
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Gallen had wanted to be given until Sunday to prove his recovery from damage to his plantar fascia tissue in the arch of his left foot but after some light running team doctor Nathan Gibbs doubted there would be much improvement in the next two days.
"It was no good prolonging the agony and we decided that we needed to push forward," Daley told a press conference this afternoon.
Robbie Farah was then told by Daley he would captain the Blues for the first time with his Tigers teammate Aaron Woods to come into the squad.
Daley said Gallen was distressed that he wouldn't be able to lead the team and help the Blues try to break Queensland's Origin stranglehold.
"It's a big game for him, a big game for our state (but) we had to make a call in the best interests of our team and unfortunately he is not going to be right," Daley said.
"It's disappointing news for Gal, he is quite distressed he can't be there.
"In the end he made a courageous decision because he put the team before the individual.
"Gal is a big tough guy but this means so much to him. He has probably dreamt about it for 12 months and to have something like this taken away from you when you want it so much is devastating."
Daley said Woods would come straight into the starting team with Andrew Fifita to remain on the bench.
"Andrew has played his best football off the bench this year and I don't want to tinker with that," Daley said.
Gallen will remain in the Blues camp until Wednesday.
The Blues are now $2.50 to beat Queensland at ANZ Stadium next Wednesday.
"Early betting has been a mirror image of game two with all the interest for Queensland," said TAB's Matt Jenkins.
"With Gallen now out, interest for QLD should only increase in the coming days, even at the short price.
"The last time the series was on the line at ANZ Stadium back in 2008, the Blues started $2.35 and lost by six points."
Blues captain Robbie Farah has opened $7 to be named man of the match; the shortest priced player in his team.
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