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Over-Knight blow for NSW Blues squad

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Brad Fittler’s conquering NSW Blues will undergo a slight change when they face Queensland in the third State of Origin battle next week.

After losing key playmakers Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary over the weekend, the side copped another injury blow on Monday 5 July with front-rower Daniel Saifiti unexpectedly ruled out with a rib cartilage complaint.

The Newcastle Knights prop ran for 244m across the first two matches of the series, the most by any forward on the field as the Blues claimed the 2021 crown with back-to-back wins.

“He’s a huge loss; since Perth a couple of years ago he’s been the head of our footy team,” Fittler said of Saifiti.

“Great to see on the weekend Junior Paulo and Payne Haas were outstanding. 

“It’s up to them boys to step up and lead the way for us.”

Fittler and his selectors replaced the talented Penrith Panthers duo, Luai and Cleary, with Canberra Raider five-eighth Jack Wighton and Parramatta Eel halfback Mitchell Moses, who’ll make his NSW debut.

Melbourne Storm’s Dale Finucane steps into Saifiti’s shoes.

His NRL team-mate Nicho Hynes has also been added to the NSW squad.

Newcastle will still boast representation on the big stage, despite Saifiti’s absence.

Knights pair Kalyn Ponga and Kurt Mann were today named in the Maroons outfit, the former at fullback and the latter as an emergency.

Ponga blitzed his comeback match at the weekend, with a sparkling performance against the North Queensland Cowboys at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Returning from a six-week lay-off with a groin injury, he scored two tries in a dynamic display.

NSW is expected to go into camp on Tuesday (6 July), with the Blues to assemble on the Central Coast.

The match will be played on 14 July, with a venue yet to be locked in due to COVID-19 restrictions.

NSW Blues: James Tedesco (c), Brian To’o, Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic, Josh Addo-Carr, Jack Wighton, Mitch Moses, Dale Finucane, Damien Cook, Junio Paulo, Cameron Murray, Tariq Sims, Isaah Yeo. Bench: Api Koroisau, Angus Crichton, Payne Haas, Liam Martin. Reserves: Nicho Hynes

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