13 Jul 2013

Gallen ruled out of Origin decider for NSW

5:57 am on 13 July 2013

The New South Wales captain Paul Gallen has been ruled out of next week's rugby league State of Origin series decider because of his foot injury.

The loss of their inspirational skipper is a huge blow to the Blues' hopes of ending seven straight years of Queensland dominance in the series in the ANZ Stadium clash.

The Wests Tigers prop Aaron Woods will take Gallen's place in the side while hooker Robbie Farah will take over the captaincy.

The 21-year-old Sydney Roosters second-rower Boyd Cordner has also been selected.

Josh Reynolds will take his place in the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs team to play Melbourne on Sunday, before rejoining the squad as 18th man.

Gallen failed a fitness test when he ran on his injured foot for the first time at training.