Sharks prop Matt Prior will make his State of Origin debut after coach Brad Fittler today announced him as the NSW Blues' replacement for the injured Reagan Campbell-Gillard for Origin II.
Prior's inclusion in the NSW outfit is an overdue reward for his consistently outstanding play over the past few seasons and he will run out as the fourth-eldest player to debut for the Blues.
A two-time NRL premiership-winning player, one of those titles coming as a member of the Sharks team that claimed the title in 2016, Prior has played 216 first grade games across 11 seasons.
He will become the 12th NSW Origin debutant in 2018 after Fittler selected 11 first-time players for Game One.
"Matt Prior, 31 years of age, playing his first game for NSW, is extremely excited. He won't let anyone down," Fittler said.
