State of Origin 2017: Queensland forward Jarrod Wallace free to play in Origin II

QUEENSLAND have been dealt a slice of Origin good fortune with Titans forward Jarrod Wallace found not guilt by the NRL judiciary and free to play in game two.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — JUNE 15: Jarrod Wallace poses for a photo during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin media session at the Rydges Hotel on June 15, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

KEVVIE Walters has scored his first victory deep in enemy territory ahead of Origin II with Jarrod Wallace becoming the latest NRL player to avoid a should charge.

Wallace produced a textbook shoulder charge on re-signed New Zealand Warriors centre Blake Ayshford on the weekend that sent him flying through the air.

But the NRL judiciary, which included Queenslander Bob Lindner, took 25 minutes to clear the 25-year-old Wallace and allow him to pursue his Origin dream.

Wallace became emotional when the not guilty verdict was read out, and admitted to ‘’sweating bullets’’.

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Wallace is all set to make his debut and could even start. (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“I think it all hit me pretty quickly,’’ said Wallace, who was decked out in a no-frills, silk-imitation Queensland Maroons tie.

“He said (the verdict) really quickly, and I had to think about and (wonder), ‘did he actually say that?’

“I’m so stoked now.

“When I found out I was in the team on Sunday, I still couldn’t get too excited because I was waiting to hear about this, but it’s an exciting time for me and my family now.

‘’I’ll look forward to getting into camp and into the game.”

While the Queenslanders will be celebrating the Wallace win at the judiciary with a few cold XXXXs, it remains to be seen if they will be doing likewise in seven days time.

“It’s Origin, mate, it’s a different type of footy, I can’t wait to experience it,’’ Wallace said.

“It’s every boy’s dream to play Origin, and I can’t remember how long it’s been since I’ve wanted to play Origin. I went into camp in game one, I got a taste sitting there and watching it, and I said from that day, ‘I wanted that jersey so badly’, and to get that opportunity next week, I’m pumped and can’t wait.’’

Wallace became the fifth player to challenge a shoulder charge at the judiciary and the fourth player to walk away from League Central a free man.

His inclusion is huge for Queensland coach Walters who will be hoping the introduction of Wallace and fellow young forwards Coen Hess and Tim Glasby can match the energy and power of the brutal NSW pack.

Now the decision’s been made, can Wallace affect the outcome? (Jason O'Brien/Getty Images)

Wallace’s lawyer Steve Johnson argued there were ‘’unavoidable circumstances’’, and the contact was more of a ‘’glancing blow’’.

“It’s Blake Ayshford that comes into contact with Jarrod,’’Johnson said. “We’re talking about less than half a second.

“Rugby league is contact sport, and no matter how much education and training you give to the players, it’s a fast-moving environment where accidents happen.

“Blake Ayshford finishes on his back, but we believe it was a glancing blow, not forceful contact.’’

Johnson added the on-field match officials did not act on the tackle during the match, something NRL judiciary chairman Geoff Bellew told the three-man panel, including Sean Garlick and Mal Cochrane, they could take into account if they felt the incident was sighted by the whistleblower.