Rugby League: Reynolds out of Origin finale

Adam Reynolds receives attention from the trainer. Photo / Getty

NSW halfback Adam Reynolds has been ruled out of next week's State of Origin III with a shoulder injury.

The NSW halfback failed to train at the Blues Coffs Harbour base on Wednesday, with utility Jack Bird filling in, however NSW are yet to name a replacement for the clash at ANZ Stadium.

Reynolds injured his shoulder in State of Origin II.

Reynolds' shock withdrawal forced Blues coach Laurie Daley to select Cronulla utility Jack Bird in the halves during the team's training run on Wednesday, but the Blues mentor is yet to announce Reynolds' official replacement.

The Daily Telegraph's David Riccio reported Bird, Panthers fullback Matt Moylan and exiled Roosters star Mitchell Pearce are the front-runners to step into the No. 7 jumper.

Blues prop Aaron Woods confessed the team was gutted for Reynolds, saying the entire side is disappointed to be without the playmaker.

The news came as NSW prop James Tamou declared he is playing for his State of Origin future in game 3.

Tamou endured his worst Origin performance in the series-losing game two defeat and feared he would be dumped from the Blues side for good.

The North Queensland star said on Wednesday he was determined to make amends in next Wednesday's Origin III at ANZ Stadium and keep his interstate career alive.

"I know I need a big one to cement anything further ahead of this game," Tamou said at the Blues Coffs Harbour base on Wednesday.

"Coming off the field I looked at my numbers, I knew I didn't get many hit-ups but it was just a bit depressing seeing the numbers that I saw.

"I wanted to make a difference in other areas of the field whether it be first in the tackle or kick-chase. I know what I have to do coming into this game, I want to make a difference. I have to get more involved.

"I have to get in there and get my hands on the ball." Tamou managed just four hit-ups for 40m and 20 tackles in the Blues' series-ending game two defeat in Brisbane.

"I am not going into game three thinking I have to do 20 hit-ups I just have to do my job," he said.

"I have to make my presence a bit more, Laurie said I want you to play like you do at the Cowboys and I get my hands on the ball a bit more at the Cowboys.

"I was upset game two could have been my last game, so I want to have to have a big one in game three."