KNIGHTS skipper Mitchell Pearce will join clubmates David Klemmer and Daniel Saifiti in the NSW Origin side for Wednesday week's series decider against Queensland at ANZ Stadium.
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Pearce has been rushed into the Blues starting line-up after incumbent halfback Nathan Cleary was ruled out with an ankle injury.
Pearce, who would been chosen for Origin II but pulled out because of a corked thigh, had apparently fallen out of favour after Parramatta's Clint Gutherson was named as NSW's reserve back.
But NSW coach Brad Fittler has apparently had a change of heart and parachuted Pearce in for his 19th Origin appearance.
The 30-year-old will partner his former Roosters teammate James Maloney in the halves.
Klemmer, a controversial omission from the side named on Monday, was reinstated after Tariq Sims was ruled out through suspension.
Saifiti will play his second Origin after starring in NSW's 38-6 win in Perth last week.
The Queensland team for Origin III will feature their Newcastle teammate Tim Glasby on the bench, while Kalyn Ponga is unavailable because of a calf injury.
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