NSW Rugby League officials are undeterred by the withdrawals of star players including South Sydney duo Dylan Walker and Luke Keary from the annual City versus Country match.
Like clockwork, players were ruled out of the clash. Walker and Keary will miss the game for City while Country will be without Jarrod Mullen. Keary has had an ongoing foot injury while Walker hurt his knee in South Sydney's loss to Canberra on Sunday.
NSWRL chief executive Dave Trodden said he had no problems with the withdrawal of the South Sydney players.
"We are completely comfortable about the process that has been followed with their withdrawals," Trodden said. "I am expecting both will have a long-term involvement in our representative pathways and I am looking forward to that happening in the future."
Keary's selection came with much fanfare. The Queensland-born halfback fought hard to be eligible to represent the Maroons but had his request knocked back. He was due to make his representative debut for City on Sunday having committed to NSW at the emerging Blues camp in January.
Keary was challenged by City coach Brad Fittler about his loyalty during the meeting of budding Origin players. Fittler said Keary responded well to the challenge.
"I had a conversation in front of a large group and asked the question and he seemed very sincere in his answer," Fittler said.
There was some confusion surrounding the need for Keary and Walker to at least report in for City before being ruled out. However, City officials were comfortable with South Sydney ruling the duo out.
NSW coach Laurie Daley said Keary's withdrawal was a blow.
"Luke was playing really well yesterday," Daley said. "It's disappointing for Luke. I am sure he would like to be part of the team. Injuries are an unfortunate part of our game. Hopefully he can get himself right and if he can get more games under his belt he will be good for us."
Keary has arguably been the form NSW halfback this season, and was due to partner incumbent Blues five-eighth Josh Reynolds in the halves for City. Instead, Blake Austin has been promoted from the bench to halfback after Wests Tigers youngster Luke Brooks was declared unfit to train with the squad. Brooks has a badly corked thigh. Daley did not want Blues contenders Trent Hodkinson and Mitchell Pearce to play on Sunday.
Brooks' Tigers teammate James Tedesco will play on the wing in a reworked City backline which will see Titans speedster James Roberts shift to the centres. Joseph Paulo has been promoted from 18th man onto the interchange bench with Bryce Cartwright the extra man in the squad.
Jack Bird will play halfback for Country in Mullen's absence while Mitch Rein has been added to the interchange bench.
