Queensland's Matt Gillett has been ruled out of Wednesday night's Origin decider, with 18th man Ethan Lowe set to make his Origin debut at ANZ Stadium.
Gillett was battling a groin injury, but has failed to prove his fitness.
Queensland Maroons coach Kevin Walters has ruled Matt Gillett out of the decider #QLDER
— Queensland Maroons (@QLDmaroons) July 9, 2019
Lowe was originally named as the 18th man, but will now be likely called up to play his first game in the Origin arena.
Dylan Napa has been brought into the Maroons' squad as well, with Walters telling the media he'll make a call on Gillett's replacement soon.
โ[Gillett] tried to run there in the warm-up and hasnโt come up too well so he wonโt be playing tomorrow night,โ Walters said.
โNow that heโs officially ruled out weโll make some decisions about that in the next 24 hours.
โWeโve got some players more than capable and ready to put their hand up to do their job for Queensland.
โWe can start planning ahead now to who those (replacements) will be.โ
Gillett was born in NSW. The cracks are appearing in the maroons.
A is Christian Welch, as was Greg Inglis and as were several NSW players who were born elsewhere but played for NSW.
The rules state that even if you are born in NSW but play your first senior football (under 18s or higher) in QLD, you are eligible for QLD.
I am fully aware of that. Fortunately the rules have now changed.