Manly backrower Tony Williams has been rushed back into NSW’s 19-man squad for next month’s State of Origin rugby league decider against Queensland in Brisbane.
Williams starred on his return from a back injury grabbing man of the match honours for the Sea Eagles in Sunday’s 52-14 win over the Sydney Roosters – Blues coach Ricky Stuart wasting no time in rushing him in for the pivotal clash.
Williams had not played since injuring his back in Origin I, which came on the back of a seven-week layoff due to suspension.
His Manly teammate Glenn Stewart was also named despite suffering a knee injury last Monday, Stuart to give the versatile backrower all the time he needs to prove his fitness.
St George Illawarra secondrower Beau Scott was also named having been overlooked for the first two games of the series, while his Dragons teammate Brett Morris also comes in for the dumped Akuila Uate.
Uate has been disappointing over the opening two games of the series, with Stuart admitting he agonised over whether to drop the excitement machine.
Stuart said he had no time frame for finalising his 17-man squad, with Williams, Scott and Williams all in contention to play.
“When I find it’s right to make the call,” Stuart said of the decision.
“More than likely Wednesday week.”
NSW squad: Greg Bird, Todd Carney, Ben Creagh, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen (capt), Tim Grant, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Trent Merrin, Brett Morris, Josh Morris, Mitchell Pearce, Beau Scott, Brett Stewart, Glenn Stewart, James Tamou, Anthony Watmough, Tony Williams.