**Robbie Farah to be NSW Origin skipper if Paul Gallen is ruled out**
Dean Ritchie
The Daily Telegraph
May 06, 201312:00AM
\
\
N**SW hooker Robbie Farah is poised to become the first Tigers player in 27 years to captain the Blues.**
Yet NSW coach Laurie Daley is refusing to write off the recovery powers of incumbent Blues leader Paul Gallen.
Daley said last night he would pick Gallen in Origin I even if the Sharks star doesn't play again before the June 5 opener against Queensland.
Gallen went down with a knee injury in yesterday's match against Newcastle. He will have scans today and could be out for four weeks.
It would then be a race to see whether Gallen could be back to take on the Maroons.
"This injury is a concern, no doubt," Daley said last night.
"He is our skipper and our inspirational leader and I am sure he will do everything he can to get back on the field, whether it's for NSW or the Sharks. We will give him as much time as he needs."
Asked would Gallen still be chosen if he didn't play again before Origin I, Daley said: "Yes, he would. We know what he can do. Gal always looks after himself and just having him in our side gives the other players confidence.
"He will know whether he is right or not."
**Daley wouldn't be drawn into a replacement skipper but Tigers captain Farah would be the first choice.**
NSW haven't been skippered by a Tiger since the great Wayne Pearce in 1986.
Pearce's son, Mitchell, is a certainty to be named as Blues halfback.
Daley was at Allianz Stadium yesterday to watch the Roosters' strong win over Penrith. His main focus was on Roosters five-eighth James Maloney and Penrith prop Tim Grant.
Daley is still undecided where to play Gallen, provided he is fit. He can play back-row or front-row.
"I'm here (at Allianz Stadium) to see how Tim Grant is going," Daley said. "He is an incumbent, so it is up to others to take the jersey off him.
"James Maloney is also well in contention, along with (rival five-eighths) John Sutton and Josh Reynolds.
"But Todd Carney is the incumbent and we all know what Todd can do. Though James Maloney does have some form on the board."
Most of the NSW side is now nailed down.
The backline, outside five-eighth, is all but settled. Kurt Gidley is a certainty for the bench, as is Luke Lewis.
However, Lewis may start if Gallen is ruled out.
Two of the three bench positions are still up for grabs and the candidates include Tim Mannah, Glenn Stewart, Willie Mason, Aaron Woods, Ryan Hoffman, Aiden Tolman and Trent Merrin.
There was a push yesterday for Canberra's Blake Ferguson, who starred against Melbourne on Saturday night.
But it would seem that Josh Morris and Michael Jennings have the inside running for the centre positions.
"I'd like everything nailed down soon," Daley said.
"I reckon I have most positions settled.
"Five-eighth is still up in the air, as is a prop spot.
"A lot will depend on how Paul Gallen pulls up. His availability will have an impact on other positions."
