Barrett out as Dragons injury toll
mounts

St George Illawarra Dragons skipper Trent Barrett has been ruled out of this Saturday's WIN Stadium match against the Bulldogs, succumbing to a hamstring injury for the fourth week running. His withdrawal effectively ends his selection chances for New South Wales in the first State of Origin match on May 26.

Melbourne's Scott Hill is Barrett's likely replacement as NSW's five eighth.

Other players who have been ruled out for this Saturday's match include Dragons forwards Lance Thompson (shoulder) and Nathan Long (knee); and halfback Mathew Head who injured his rib in last Sunday's Dragons v Manly match.

Thompson was also named in the 30-man NSW squad.

The injury woes for Saints continue to escalate with winger Nathan Blacklock being injured (hamstring) while playing for Country last Friday. He is expected back by round 11.

This was compounded by the grim news earlier this week that representative front rower Luke Bailey had suffered a season-ending chest injury.

Dragons coach Nathan Brown has named a six-man bench and will add another player from the Premier League.