State of Origin: No-name player apparently included in NSW Blues squad

THERE were few surprises named in Laurie Daley’s NSW squad for State of Origin’s game three - with one highly questionable exception.

That’s Josh Mansour - we’re not sure what James Mansour looks like. Picture: Adam Head.

JAMES Mansour, meet Mike Jedinak.

New South Wales winger Josh Mansour entered an unwanted club after having his name butchered at the announcement of the Blues squad for game three of the 2016 State of Origin.

Mansour was the victim but the perpetrator was, unsurprisingly, a politician.

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres has been front and centre of several Origin squad announcements lately, while coach Laurie Daley has preferred to linger in the background.

Perhaps after Ayres’ latest effort - in which he named ‘James Mansour’ on the wing for next week’s match against Queensland - Daley might choose to just read the names out himself next time.

To be fair to Ayres, he owned up to his blooper soon after proceedings had wrapped up.

Just did the video review with Loz...I fumbled a couple of 'J's' today. #Origin

— Stuart Ayres (@stuartayresmp) July 4, 2016

Ayres joins a growing list of politicians who have stuffed up the names of famous sportspeople, which in recent times has been headed by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

Abbott famously referred to Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak as ‘Mike’ during a prerecorded YouTube message ahead of Australia’s 2014 World Cup match against Chile.

Originally published as State of Origin: No-name player apparently included in NSW Blues squad