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Gallen out of Origin decider

New South Wales captain Paul Gallen has been ruled out of State of Origin III after failing to recover from a foot injury.

The news was confirmed by the Blues camp after Gallen failed to participate in the squad's training session this morning.

It was also confirmed that Wests Tigers' Aaron Woods will replace Gallen, while Robbie Farah is expected to wear the captain's armband.



Gallen is nursing a foot injury that has kept him out of action since Origin II on June 26.

The loss of their captain is a massive blow to the Blues' hopes of winning a first series since 2005.

Earlier this week, Gallen, who removed a supportive boot for the first time on Tuesday morning, said his chances of playing would be slim if he was unable able to come through today's training session unscathed.

He also said he would not risk hindering the side if he was not right.

"I am confident as I can be and doing everything I can. It's just going to come down to how I go when I run," Gallen said.

"Personally, I'd like to run Friday and do the team session Sunday. If I can, then there's absolutely no doubt at all.

"But I have to be near 100 per cent. I can't be 70 or 80.

"At the end of the day, the result is bigger than me and I want nothing more than a NSW victory.

"We'll see how I am at the end of the week. If I am no good, I am no good. If I'm right, I'll be there."