Cordner, McManus named for NSW

The Country Origin team's Boyd Cordner is pictured after training. Source: Tim Hunter / News Limited

SYDNEY Roosters lock Boyd Cordner cheered loudly for NSW via twitter before State of Origin II.

"Lets go boys!!," he posted to Roosters team-mates Mitchell Pearce, James Maloney and Michael Jennings.

"Come on NSW! #uptheblues."

Cordner, 21, could now swing from fan to player and be playing alongside Pearce, Maloney and Jennings in State of Origin III at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday week.

NSW coach Laurie Daley named Cordner along with Newcastle winger James McManus in a 20-man Blues squad for the decider against Queensland.

Cordner is on standby for injured NSW lock Greg Bird (ankle), McManus will cover for injured winger Jarryd Hayne (hamstring) while Origin II prop Aaron Woods will come in if skipper Paul Gallen (left foot) is ruled out.

Nathan Merritt has been dumped.

A former NSW under 20s State of Origin skipper, Cordner has been sensational this year for the high-flying Roosters. He is from Taree and represented Country this year.

"Boyd is someone we identified as being an up-and-coming player," Daley told The Daily Telegraph.

"He has been playing some really good footy at the Roosters. He can play tight or on an edge.

"He will come in if Bird is no good. Boyd has been playing with a successful side this year.

"He is in-form and when you pick players for Origin you want them in-form.

"I am sure he wouldn't let anyone down if given the opportunity. Boyd will be up to the task.

"We have named these players as cover but anything is possible."

Former NSW prop Steve Roach tipped Cordner's Origin elevation in May.

"Boyd Cordner has Origin written all over him. The kid's tough," Roach said.

And ex-NSW and Roosters Luke Ricketson said recently: "He wouldn't be out of place (in Origin). He's the type of player that can play for 80 minutes, make all the important tackles, clean up the ruck a little bit. He's got speed, he's got fitness, he's got endurance."

Cordner does have a strong combination at club level with NSW halves Pearce and Maloney. He will though miss out if Bird is cleared.

Hayne was picked on the wing for NSW despite being ruled out of Parramatta's match against Manly at Brookvale Oval tonight.

"He's just not right," said Eels coach Ricky Stuart.

Daley hopes Hayne can be running at full-pelt by Wednesday or Thursday. 

If not, McManus will return to Origin football after playing one match for NSW back in 2009.

Playing an outside back with a hamstring injury could be dangerous for NSW.

"We will speak to Jarryd (today) and liaise with our medical staff to see where he's at," Daley said. 

"We will make a decision then.

"James has been in good form for Newcastle and has been in Origin before. He is a very reliable player and would do a good job if required."

Gallen continues to work hard in his quest to be fit.

It is difficult to even imagine an injury would prevent Gallen from leading NSW onto ANZ Stadium for the decider.

"We need to speak to Paul to determine his progress," Daley said.

"He is our leader and mean a lot to us. We will give him time to be fit and to start running."

With Hayne on the wing, NSW opted to retain St George Illawarra's Josh Dugan at fullback while suspended star James Tamou returns to the side as a starting prop.

The bench is the same as Origin II with Josh Reynolds retained.

True to his word, Daley proved again last night he will remain loyal to the players he thinks can finally arrest the interstate title from Queensland.

NSW side for game III: Josh Dugan, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Josh Morris, Brett Morris, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, James Tamou, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen (c), Ryan Hoffman, Luke Lewis, Greg Bird. Interchange: Anthony Watmough, Andrew Fifita, Trent Merrin, Josh Reynolds, James McManus, Boyd Cordner, Aaron Woods.

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