Linda Meech will ride for New Zealand on the Gold Coast
Suspensions and unavailability have forced an overhaul of teams for the final round of the State of Origin jockeys series.
Going into the third and final round at the Gold Coast on Saturday, NSW leads on 33 points from New Zealand (22), South Australia and Western Australia (17), Queensland (13) and Victoria (8).
Perth’s Brad Parnham, who rode a winner in round two, has been recalled to the West Australian team to replace the suspended Damien Oliver.
The New Zealand team has been reshaped to include Linda Meech who will join Larry Cassidy with Damian Browne and Michael Walker unavailable.
Luke Tarrant will replace the suspended Jim Byrne in the Queensland team with Jim Orman making his third appearance in the maroon silks.
Josh Parr makes his first appearance for NSW with Tye Angland making up the Blues’ team.
Also making his first appearance will be Sydney’s leading jockey Brenton Avdulla who will represent Victoria with Brad Rawiller.
The only team which will be as originally planned is South Australia with Dom Tourneur and Dylan Dunn.
