NSW names preliminary Origin squad
Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 3:34 PM
Six new faces have been included in NSW's 26-man preliminary squad for this year's State of Origin.
Minor premier Melbourne's forward-of-the-year Ryan Hoffman, Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah and St George's Dean Young and Ben Creagh were named in the squad which will attend a two-day training camp at Bondi Beach this weekend.
Anthony Tupou and Reni Maitua, who are also yet to make their NSW debuts, were also in the squad after featuring in the Kangaroos' victorious tri-nations squad.
Former Blues players Anthony Minichiello, Jason Ryles and Jamie Lyon were included after missing the 2006 series.
Eels recruit Brett Finch was included despite an indifferent 2006 season with the Roosters but faces a challenge to make the final squad with Mark Gasnier switching to five-eighth following Trent Barrett's departure from the Dragons.
Several players were unavailable for selection including Luke Bailey, Matt King and Penrith trio Craig Gower, Luke Lewis and Trent Waterhouse.
Squad: Braith Anasta, Danny Buderus, Matt Cooper, Ben Creagh, Robbie Farah, Brett Finch, Paul Gallen, Mark Gasnier, Eric Grothe, Nathan Hindmarsh, Brett Hodgson, Ryan Hoffman, Ben Hornby, Brent Kite, Jamie Lyon, Reni Maitua, Willie Mason, Anthony Minichiello, Luke O'Donnell, Mark O'Meley, Matt Orford, Andrew Ryan, Jason Ryles, Anthony Tupou, Craig Wing, Dean Young.
Unavailable: Luke Bailey, Craig Gower, Matt King, Luke Lewis, Steve Simpson, Timana Tahu, Trent Waterhouse.