But has "Freddy" finally lost the plot?

The omission of David Klemmer for the series decider against Queensland at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday week rates as one of the most inexplicable selection snubs in Origin history.

Klemmer was an outstanding front-rower long before he arrived in Newcastle, as the 17 Tests and 12 Origin appearances he racked up during six seasons at Canterbury would testify.

He's been a starting prop for Australia in their past six Tests.

Since joining the Knights at the end of last season, the 25-year-old has taken his game to another level, averaging almost 180 attacking metres per game. The only forward in the NRL who has gained more ground this year is North Queensland bulldozer Jason Taumalolo.

And it's not as if Klemmer let anyone down in NSW's series-opening 18-14 loss at Suncorp Stadium.

Despite fracturing his wrist in the opening exchanges, he played 51 consecutive minutes and smashed out 149 metres and 33 tackles.

His power running enabled NSW to lead 8-0 at half-time, and their scoreboard advantage should probably have been even greater.

It was only after he was replaced that the Maroons rallied and eventually surged into the lead.

Unavailable for game two, which NSW dominated to win 38-6, Klemmer was expected to be rushed back into the starting line-up, probably at the expense of his Newcastle teammate Daniel Saifiti.

Saifiti handled his debut in fine style but would be the first to admit he is still a work in progress, whereas Klemmer is the finished product.

If there was any doubt about Klemmer's wrist injury, which required painkilling injections before he took the field on Saturday night against Brisbane, he surely dispelled them with a 205-metre, 42-tackle performance.

Brisbane heavyweights Matt Lodge, Tevita Pangai jnr and Payne Haas found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time as Klemmer bashed and crashed them into submission.

Yet it was not enough to earn the automatic NSW recall most had expected.

Instead his only chance of playing will be if St George Illawarra enforcer Tariq Sims is found guilty of a dangerous-contact tackle and suspended by the judiciary.

Fittler has shown faith in the team who won game two so convincingly, but in the process he has overlooked one of the key figures in NSW's 2-1 series victory last year.

Maybe the quirky coach will enjoy the last laugh, as he did in Perth nine days ago.

But it's hard not to reach the conclusion that Queensland's forwards will be far more appreciative of Fittler's decision than the New Zealand Warriors pack who are likely to face Klemmer's wrath at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.

While you're with us, did you know The Herald is now offering breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up-to-date with all the local news - sign up here.

IN NEWS TODAY: