NSW coach Craig Bellamy said the Blues needed a change around the scrumbase after a disappointing showing by halves Campese and Peter Wallace in the 28-18 Origin I loss in Melbourne.

While Campese was dropped, Raiders teammates Joel Monaghan and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs were selected as standbys for the injury-riddled Blues.

Campese was too disappointed to talk last night, but bolter Learoyd-Lahrs was ecstatic.

''Until an hour ago I thought it was just hype, I didn't think there was any weight behind [the rumours I was in with a chance],'' Learoyd-Lahrs told The Canberra Times.

''I thought Campo and Monas were the real threats, and maybe [Alan] Tonguey if his injury hadn't come.

''I was putting away a feed, watching a bit of telly and [got the call].

''When [I first heard] I said 'What are you kidding?' Then I turned [the television] over and watched it just to make sure it wasn't gee up and they said it, so I thought I better go and get my stuff ready.''

With an injury cloud hanging over several Blues, Bellamy's 17-man side is almost certain to change.

Skipper Kurt Gidley (calf muscle), lock Paul Gallen (shoulder), utility Craig Wing (hamstring), and centres Jamie Lyon (ankle) and Michael Jennings (calf) are all in doubt.

Full State of Origin coverage in today's Canberra Times