Manly halfback Matt Orford hasn't given up hope of wearing the NSW No.7 jumper in the State of Origin opener despite being overlooked for a City Origin berth.
City selectors plumped for Penrith halfback Craig Gower to partner Braith Anasta in the halves, Orford paying the price for an ankle injury which disrupted his early season campaign with the Sea Eagles.
Gower and Country halfback Brett Kimmorley will now battle it out on Thursday night as they stake an early claim to wear the NSW No.7 jumper in the Origin series opener on May 23 at Suncorp Stadium.
Both City and Country sides will feature plenty of new blood with 10 players set to grace the representative stage for the first time next week.
Parramatta centre Timana Tahu was a surprise inclusion in the Country side, the former Test back having thought his representative days were numbered after signing a contract to play rugby union next season.
He will partner Melbourne's Anthony Quinn in the centres with St George Illawarra Matt Cooper (concussion) and Ben Smith (virus) not considered given the short preparation for the match.
Similarly, Country selectors decided not to take a risk on Dragons prop Jason Ryles (shoulder), with Sydney Roosters backrower Craig Fitzgibbon named in the front row.
City selectors were also left with a dearth of options up front with Cronulla second rower Lance Thompson named at prop and Wests Tigers tyro Bryce Gibbs the only recognised front rower on the bench.
Bulldogs pointscoring machine Hazem El Masri beat out South Sydney flyer Nathan Merritt for a spot on the wing for City, coach Tim Sheens admitting El Masri's outstanding goalkicking played a significant role in his selection.
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