Brad Fittler snubs maligned halfback as NSW Blues remain unchanged

Brad Fittler has stuck with the team that won Game Two of State of Origin choosing to leave out the in-form halfback Mitchell Pearce from the squad.

Incumbent halfback Nathan Cleary has been given a chance to prove his fitness at the beginning of this week ahead of the clash next Wednesday with Clint Gutherson named 18th man in case he can’t train.

Fittler has also opted to leave out David Klemmer from the squad, but reports suggest he might play if Tariq Sims fails to escape his grade two dangerous conduct charge in Round 15.

Sims will be hit with a three match ban if he pleads not guilty and loses his charge after his hit on Cowboys playmaker Michael Morgan on Friday.

However, if the Dragons forward successfully fights the charge he will be available for Origin at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday.

CONFIRMED NSW BLUES TEAM

1. James Tedesco (vc) (Sydney Roosters)

2. Blake Ferguson (Parramatta Eels)

3. Tom Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)

4. Jack Wighton (Canberra Raiders)

5. Josh Addo-Carr (Melbourne Storm)

6. James Maloney (Penrith Panthers)

7. Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)

8. Daniel Saifiti (Newcastle Knights)

9. Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

10. Paul Vaughan (St George Illawarra Dragons)

11. Boyd Cordner (c) (Sydney Roosters)

12. Tyson Frizell (St George Illawarra Dragons)

13. Jake Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)

Interchange

14. Dale Finucane (Melbourne Storm)

15. Tariq Sims (St George Illawarra Dragons)

16. Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

17. Wade Graham (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)

18. Clint Gutherson (Parramatta Eels)