State of Origin 2021: Brad Fittler adds five more players to New South Wales squad

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State of Origin 2021: Brad Fittler adds five more players to New South Wales squad image

New South Wales coach Brad Fittler has added five more players to his Blues squad after the Raiders and Rabbitohs were knocked out of the NRL finals over the weekend. 

From Canberra, Jack Wighton and Nick Cotric were called up, while Damien Cook, Cam Murray and Cody Walker have also been added. 

All five have played Origin for New South Wales in the past.

Cook, Wighton and Murray played all three games of the series last year, with Cotric and Walker each earning their Origin debuts in game one. 

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There's no room at this stage for Rabbitohs hopeful Campbell Graham, who missed Saturday night's prelim final defeat to the Panthers with a groin injury. 

South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett said Graham had been battling the injury for a month leading into Saturday's loss. 

Fittler confirmed the selections in a video on Sunday morning. 

"(Wighton) had an incredible season, he can play in a few positions, he's been great for us in the past and I thought he was Canberra's best for the whole season," Fittler said. 

"Nick Cotric - the Raiders scored two tries and Nick scored them both, so great finisher and he's been part of our camp for the last couple of years as well.

"Cody Walker, he's been awesome, absolutely awesome. Gave the Rabbitohs every chance against Penrith last night and nearly got away with it in the end. 

"Cam Murray another star for South Sydney. Never stops trying, played numerous positions and was absolutely brilliant for us last year. 

"The hooker, Damien Cook. I spoke to him before the game and he said he had a bit of knee problem, but it didn't seem that way. 

"He's been one of the best players of the back end of the season."

Fittler will add more players to the squad after next weekend's NRL Grand Final. 

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