New South Wales halfback Adam Reynolds has been ruled out of State of Origin III, it was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon.
Reynolds has succumbed to a shoulder injury initially suffered during Origin II after failing to train at the Blues' only training session so far on Wednesday morning.
A pinched nerve in his neck related to the injury saw him ruled out by NSW team doctors in the end, after he returned in South Sydney's 20-0 loss to North Queensland over the weekend.
Reynolds said being rubbed out of Origin III was one of the biggest disappointments of his career yet maintained it was in the best interests of the team.
"It's always hard missing out on games because Origin is special," Reynolds said.
"It was the highlight of my career. To sit out and not be able to take part is incredibly disappointing.
"I want to come back and join the side next year. I love being part of the camp and I have learnt a lot while I have been here.
"I am only going to grow from here and I look forward to getting another shot."
A replacement will be named in the next few hours, a NSWRL official confirmed, with the likes of Matt Moylan, Dylan Walker or Jack Bird starting touted as potential replacements.
