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the NSW team for the third match of the 2005 State of Origin series at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on July 6.

Fullback
ANTHONY MINICHIELLO (Sydney Roosters)
Age: 25
Hgt: 181cm
Wgt: 88kg
Tests: 12 (2003-2005)
Origins: 7 (2003-2005)
Made up for first half blunders in game two with two scintillating tries. Seems to share ESP with halfback Andrew Johns as evidenced in Origin II's opening try. A nightmare for Queensland in attack. Rock solid in defence.

Wing
MATT KING (Melbourne)
Age: 24
Hgt: 190cm
Wgt: 100kg
Tests: Nil
Origins: 2 (2005)
Bounced back from being "overawed" in game one by being close to man of the match in the the Blues' Origin II victory. Although Johns stole the limelight, King was inspirational particularly in the first half with his desperate defence. Big, strong and a powerful ball-runner.

Centre
MATT COOPER (St George Illawarra)
Age: 26
Hgt: 188cm
Wgt: 92kg
Tests: Nil
Origins: 3 (2004-05)
One of the best defensive centres in the game but is trying to make a name for himself as a strike three-quarter in attack. His Origin II try was a good start. Antithesis of jinking centre partner Mark Gasnier in that he runs straight and hard. Forms one of rugby league's most formidable centre pairings with Gasnier.

Centre
MARK GASNIER (St George Illawarra)
Age: 23
Hgt: 192cm
Wgt: 100kg
Tests: 1 (2001)
Origins: 3 (2004-05)
Almost impossible to tackle one-on-one. Has bounced back from last year's Origin sacking following a team bonding debacle to become one of the first players picked for NSW team. Blessed with great footwork. Can create something from nothing in attack. Very dangerous.

Wing
TIMANA TAHU (Parramatta)
Age: 24
Hgt: 185cm
Wgt: 98kg
Tests: 3 (2002-2004)
Origins: 7 (2002-2004)
Overcame a horror run of injuries since re-locating from Newcastle to Parramatta this season to hold out the likes of Eels teammate Eric Grothe and Melbourne's Matt Geyer to fill wing spot left vacant by injured Luke Rooney (thigh). A former Test player who has experience that will be invaluable for the series decider.

Five-eighth
BRAITH ANASTA (Bulldogs)
Age: 23
Hgt: 189cm
Wgt: 96kg
Tests: 4 (2001)
Origins: 4 (2002-2003, 2005)
In career-best form. Has had plenty of off-field distractions, mainly contract negotiations, but has continued to impress on the paddock. His steely resolve - and impressive all-round game - will come in handy in an Origin series decider.

Halfback
ANDREW JOHNS (Newcastle)
Age: 31
Hgt: 179cm
Wgt: 89kg
Tests: 18 (1995-2003)
Origins: 22 (1997-2003, 2005)
Completed one of the great Origin comebacks with man of the match performance in game two. Still short of a gallop after suffering another neck injury in Origin II but no one will ever doubt the man named Joey again. Can win a match with a kick or a deft pass. Redefines the term champion.

Prop
JASON RYLES (St George Illawarra)
Age: 26
Hgt: 194cm
Wgt: 113kg
Tests: 8 (2001-2004)
Origins: 7 (2002-2005)
Supplied the perfect rebuttal after his game one battering at the hands of a Queensland pack led by Carl Webb with a heavyweight display in Origin II. Was facing the axe if he produced another quiet performance but hit back in game two with 195 metres from 19 hit-ups and 20 tackles in 51 minutes. NSW will again be looking at the mammoth prop to lead the way in the series decider.

******
DANNY BUDERUS (captain, Newcastle)
Age: 27
Hgt: 178cm
Wgt: 91kg
Tests: 18 (2001-2004)
Origins: 11 (2002-2005)
Inspirational skipper but has not played since Origin II due to a recurrence of toe ligament damage and is battling to be fit. Penrith rake and incumbent Test ****** Luke Priddis is on standby.

Prop
LUKE BAILEY (St George Illawarra)
Age: 25
Hgt: 189cm
Wgt: 108kg
Tests: 2 (2003-2004)
Origins: 8 (2002-2003, 2005)
Pencilled in as a starter in game two but eventually came off the bench with devastating effect. Missed much-anticipated game two showdown with Webb when the Queenslander was injured early but still silenced critics by gaining 100m off the bench in a powerhouse display.

Second Row
NATHAN HINDMARSH (Parramatta)
Age: 25
Hgt: 186cm
Wgt: 104kg
Tests: 7 (2004-2005)
Origins: 9 (2001-2005)
Workaholic backrower who is the modern day version of Mr Perpetual Motion. Made a team high 32 tackles in game two. Armed with a dangerous offload.

Second Row
CRAIG FITZGIBBON
Age: 28
Hgt: 192
Wgt: 104kg
Tests: 9 (2002-05)
Origins: 7 (2003-05)
Tackling machine. Skilled backrower who continually puts his hand up for more work. Throw in his high quality goalkicking and you are looking at an ideal Origin player. Never loses his cool under pressure - which is handy when facing more than 50,000 rabid Maroons fans at The Cauldron.

Lock
BEN KENNEDY
Age: 31
Hgt: 188
Wgt: 102kg
Tests: 6 (2001-05)
Origins: 12 (2000-2005)
It may be his swansong representative season but he is playing with all the spirit of a rookie. Has found a new lease on life since linking with new club Manly this season. Was again at his grinding best in game two with 136 metres from 15 hit-outs and making 27 tackles. Hard to stop.