Paul Gallen out, Robbie Farah to lead NSW in Origin Decider

NSW Captain, Paul Gallen

IN a massive blow for New South Wales captain Paul Gallen has been ruled out of the State of Origin decider.

Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah will now lead the Blues into battle at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night.

Aaron Woods, who made his debut in New South Wales' 26-6 defeat in Brisbane, comes into the 17-man squad.

NSW coach Laurie Daley called a team huddle at training where he broke the news to his players and Woods was hugged and high-fived by his Blues teammates following his promotion

It was expected that Gallen would be given until Sunday to prove his fitness but it was apparent he would be unable to overcome his foot injury he sustained in the second Origin clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Both he and and Greg Bird showed up to camp wearing moonboots to help them overcome their injuries and while team doctor Nathan Gibbs yesterday said he was confident Bird would be ready to play he remained doubtful about Gallen.

Daley while disappointed about his captain's withdrawal, still had the utmost confidence in his players to win the series for the first time since 2005.

“It’s obviously a blow for us to lose Gallen but we will have 17 fit players going into the decider and we will be ready to do the job,” Daley said