New South Wales Blues have named Robbie Farah as hooker on their State of Origin decider against Queensland Maroons on July 8 at SunCorp Stadium. The West Tigers captain underwent sudden hand surgery on Tuesday night saying he “won’t die wondering” as he desperately attempts to play for Origin III.

Farah sustained a fractured right hand in Tigers game on Sunday and underwent a sudden hand surgery days before the decider, but despite Farah’s strong will to return and play, the NSW Blues already considered the-31-year old footballer to be out of their lineup. However, Farah said he remains confident of taking part on next Wednesday night’s match, albeit concerns over being fit enough to prepare with the rest of the Blues.

“It’s not just about playing on Wednesday night. I’m confident I can get out there and play with or without the surgery. It is about the preparation of the team. This gives me a chance to train. Without it, I would’ve had to needle up for training as is. That wouldn’t have been the best scenario. I am concerned about not just about myself, but the preparation for this team for such a big game,” Farah said via Television New Zealand.

With Farah questionable for the game against Maroons, NSW will be allowed to explore a loophole in the rules and tap in Cronulla’s Michael Ennis according to Fairfax Media. Ennis’ ban ends on Monday night which gives him enough time to play for the decider. Farah will travel with the squad to Coffs Harbour on Tuesday afternoon to prove his fitness. Melbourne’s Ryan Hinchcliffe and Canterbury’s Josh Reynolds will also be on the camp as dummy options for NSW. However, Ennis, who received a one game suspension for a high-tackle charge, will still be the man to replace Farah should he not be fit to play.

Meanwhile, Blues team-captain Paul Gallen, who has not played for NSW since Origin II, dismissed doubts surrounding his fitness. Gallen said he expects himself to train for day one but will “stay out of contact” as long as he can according to reports from Sydney Morning Herald. Blues coach Laurie Daly fairly believes Queensland will target Farah once he is in the field.

"Robbie is a guy who is very tough and recuperates very well. I thought he wasn't a chance to play game two. It will be fair game once he takes the field. I'm assuming if he does they will come after him," Daly said.

NSW Blues team will include Josh Dugan, Will Hopoate, Michael Jennings, Josh Morris, Brett Morris, Mitchell Pearce, Trent Hodkinson, Aaron Woods, James, Tamou, Beau Scott, and Ryan Hoffman along with interchanges Trent Merrin, Boyd Cordner, David Klemmer, and Josh Jackson.

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