Sharks prop Matt Prior has earned a called up into a 20-man NSW squad for game two of the 2018 Origin series.
A two-time premiership winner, with Prior a member of the Sharks side which claimed the 2016 NRL title, the call-up from Blues coach Brad Fittler was some overdue recognition for one of the most consistent forwards in the game.
Prior learned of his inclusion in the NSW squad when informed by Sharks CEO Barry Russell while walking from the field after the game against the Broncos, with coach Shane Flanagan then announcing his selection to the Sharks team once the entire squad had returned to the dressing room.
Ryan James (Gold Coast Titans), Tariq Sims (Dragons) and Luke Keary (Sydney Roosters), were also added to the NSW squad which won the opening game at the MCG.
Panthers prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard has been ruled out with a broken jaw, while Latrell Mitchell will need to pass a fitness test after being assisted from the field with a neck injury in the Roosters win over the Panthers last night.
Game two will be at ANZ Stadium on Sunday week (24 June).
The Bryden Lawyers NSW Blues squad for State of Origin Game Two:
Josh Addo-Carr - Melbourne Storm
Nathan Cleary - Penrith Panthers
Damien Cook - South Sydney Rabbitohs
Boyd Cordner (C) - Sydney Roosters
Angus Crichton - South Sydney Rabbitohs
Jack de Belin - St George Illawarra Dragons
Tyson Frizzel St George Illawarra Dragons
Ryan James - Gold Coast Titans
Luke Keary - Sydney Roosters
David Klemmer - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
James Maloney - Penrith Panthers
Latrell Mitchell - Sydney Roosters
Tyrone Peachey - Penrith Panthers
Matt Prior - Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
James Roberts - Brisbane Broncos
Tariq Sims - St George Illawarra Dragons
James Tedesco - Sydney Roosters
Jake Trbojevic - Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Tom Trbojevic - Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Paul Vaughan - St George Illawarra Dragons
