NSW coach Laurie Daley admits the loss of skipper Paul Gallen for Wednesday’s State of Origin decider is a blow but says the decision to rule him out on Friday is in the team’s best interests.

Gallen was omitted out on medical advice after failing to overcome the foot injury suffered in Origin II and Daley confirmed hooker Robbie Farah would take over as captain.

Wests Tigers prop Aaron Woods comes into the team to fill Gallen’s role in the NSW front row against Queensland at ANZ Stadium.

“On one hand you have to be disappointed for Gal, but on the other hand you have to be positive and move on,” Daley told reporters on Friday.

“Gal is quite distressed. It’s a big game for him. It’s a big game for our state. He is our leader. We wanted him there but the decision has been made in the best interests of the team. Unfortunately it is a loss.”

Daley said team doctor Nathan Gibbs advised him Gallen recovery wasn’t sufficient for him to play.

“Nathan said that what he (Gallen) was able to do today and what he might possibly be able to do on Sunday … there wouldn’t be a great deal of difference,” Daley said.

“There was no way he was going to be able to improve enough between now and Wednesday.”

Initially Gallen was given until Sunday to prove his fitness but Daley said he realised after struggling to run on Friday that the best move was to withdraw from Wednesday’s sold out game three at ANZ Stadium.

“It means so much to Gal and you do have to feel for him,” Daley said.

“It is a selfless act. It is about putting the team first. To have success you have to have individuals buying into a team first culture and that is what we do,” Daley said.

Gallen, a 16-game veteran for NSW joins Jarryd Hayne (hamstring) on the sidelines for the Blues.

In contrast Queensland, seeking an unprecedented eighth straight series win, have no injury worries.