State of Origin: Blues not ruling out Robbie Farah while Maroons expect Michael Ennis to play

Queensland expects New South Wales to replace Robbie Farah with Michael Ennis for tonight's State of Origin decider but the Blues refuse to rule Farah out.

Farah had surgery on his broken hand last Tuesday in an attempt to be able to play in the series decider at Lang Park.
Both hookers have trained for the Blues but Farah's involvement has been limited as he recovers from the injury suffered in the Wests Tigers loss to Penrith.
However New South Wales assistant coach Matt Parish would not rule out Farah taking part.
"I think Laurie is going to use most of the time up until 7pm tonight to decide," Parish said in Brisbane on Wednesday morning.
"Both trained yesterday, both trained really well. We'll see how Robbie's hand pulls up after lunch today and go from there."
Queensland assistant coach Michael Hagan said he doubts Farah will be in a position to play so soon after surgery.
"We're not expecting him (Farah) to play," Hagan said on Wednesday.
"I don't know if you can have surgery and expect to play within seven days medically. We're probably expecting Michael Ennis to be there to be honest."
Hagan said the experience of Ennis at Origin level means the Blues would not lose much with Farah sidelined.
"He's (Ennis) a real competitor and very tough in his defence," Hagan said.

"I'm sure he will do a good job for them in the middle third and that's all they will be asking him to do."

Both the Maroons and Blues had team walks around Brisbane on Wednesday morning and reported that aside from the question mark over Farah all players are fit and raring to go.
The Maroons will have plenty to play for as they aim to reclaim the series in front of their home crowd. It is coach Mal Meninga's 55th birthday while centre Justin Hodges will make his Origin farewell after 22 appearances for Queensland.
Greg Inglis, who starts at full-back tonight for Queensland but usually partners Hodges in the centres, presented his team-mate with a jersey on Tuesday night telling him what it has meant to play with him.
Meanwhile the Blues have been inspired by former full-back Jarryd Hayne who has joined the squad on a break from training with NFL side the San Francisco 49ers.
"He's an inspiration to everyone for what he is doing and the journey he is on," Parish said.
"He gave up so much to go over there and chase his dream, and to have him around is certainly very uplifting for everyone."

Smith to rise above public criticism

Hagan has backed Maroons captain Cameron Smith to rise in the face of great personal challenge following public criticism from Alex McKinnon over Smith's on-field behaviour following the tackle last year that has left the Knights forward wheelchair-bound.
The Queensland Origin camp have been so protective of their skipper that media were told the Maroons would abandon their traditional pre-match team walk if Smith was approached for comment on McKinnon.
McKinnon's comments on Sunday night's 60 Minutes program have taken the focus off Smith equalling Queensland great Darren Lockyer's record of 36 Origin appearances.
"Mentally Origin is always tough," Hagan said.
"The events of the last few days just makes the challenge greater.
"Cameron has been through a fair bit but he is mentally stronger than most I have come across.
"He will lead the team like he always does and I think the team will respond accordingly."