Wests Tigers players Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods have both been named in the New South Wales VB Blues’ side for State of Origin I.
State of Origin I will take place at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, May 28.
Farah will play his ninth game for NSW after making his Origin debut in 2009, while Woods will make his third appearance following his State of Origin debut in Game II last year.
Both Farah and Woods played State of Origin for New South Wales in 2013, and have retained their spot due to several impressive performances this year.
Woods has played every game for Wests Tigers in 2014, and is averaging 32.4 tackles, 13.2 hit-ups and 138.3 metres per game — more than any other forward at the Club.
Farah missed three games between Round 7 and 9 with an elbow injury, but has still averaged 42.0 tackles and 123.9 metres per game in the seven fixtures that he has played.
Farah is also the Club’s second-highest try-scorer in 2014 with four tries.
This week’s opponents, Brisbane Broncos, will be without three regular players due to Origin selection, with co-captains Justin Hodges and Corey Parker as well as Matt Gillett all named in the Queensland starting team for Origin I.
Sam Thaiday is also expected to be out of the Broncos’ team to take on Wests Tigers this Saturday night, which will be named later this afternoon.
New South Wales Team — State of Origin I
Jarryd Hayne, Brett Morris, Josh Morris, Michael Jennings, Daniel Tuopu, Josh Reynolds, Trent Hodkinson, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah, James Tamou, Ryan Hoffman, Beau Scott, Paul Gallen (c), Trent Merrin, Anthony Watmough, Luke Lewis, Tony Williams.
Queensland Team — State of Origin I
Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Brent Tate, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith (c), Nate Myles, Chris McQueen, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker, Daly Cherry-Evans, Ben Te’o, Josh Papalii, Aidan Guerra, Will Chambers, Jake Friend.
