13/05/2008 11:30 AM
Brisbane Broncos halfback Peter Wallace has been rewarded for his stellar start to the season by being selected to wear the No.7 jersey for New South Wales in Origin I later this month.
Newcastle's Kurt Gidley was expected to get the nod at halfback, but missed out on selection completely, with selectors opting to hand Wallace his Origin debut.
Gidley, who played for the Kangaroos in Friday's Centenary Test, may have been overlooked as a result of a cheekbone injury that he suffered on Monday night against the Storm.
Cronulla's Greg Bird will partner Wallace in the halves, beating in-form Roosters five-eighth Braith Anasta to the coveted role.
Manly's try-scoring machine Brett Stewart retains his place at halfback, with Eels flyer Jarryd Hayne on one wing and Melbourne Storm's Anthony Quinn picked for his debut on the other.
Dragons duo Mark Gasnier and Matt Cooper will pair up in the centres, while Knights veteran Danny Buderus will start in the No.9 jersey and is also captain.
Despite picking up a shoulder injury in the Storm's 18-4 victory over the Knights on Monday night, Brett White has been selected in the front row, alongside former team-mate Ben Cross, who will also make his debut, while Shark Paul Gallen will start at lock.
Ryan Hoffman and Willie Mason will start in the second row, with Anthony Laffranchi, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon and Ben Hornby on the bench.
NSW team for Origin I:
Brett Stewart, Jarryd Hayne, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Anthony Quinn, Greg Bird, Peter Wallace, Brett White, Danny Buderus, Ben Cross, Ryan Hoffman, Willie Mason, Paul Gallen
Interchange: Anthony Laffranchi, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon, Ben Hornby