LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Preston Joins Blues Squad Ahead of Game II
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs second-rower Jacob Preston has been called into the Westpac NSW Blues as the 20th man for Game Two of State of Origin in Perth, replacing injured South Sydney Rabbitohs prop Keaon Koloamatangi.
The decision comes after Koloamatangi sustained a facial fracture during a match against Preston's team on June 15, leading the South Sydney medical team to rule him out of traveling to Perth.
In Koloamatangi's absence, Penrith Panthers forward Lindsay Smith has been elevated to the 19th man but will remain in jersey 20.
Preston, 23, is set to fly to Perth on June 16 and will participate in the Blues' Captain's Run at Optus Stadium on June 17, wearing jersey 21.