New South Wales coach Brad Fittler admits to being ‘gutted’ for Jordan McLean after the 30 year old was ruled out of of State of Origin Game III which would have been McLean’s debut.

“I must admit to being gutted during the week at Jordan McLean’s hamstring injury,” Fittler wrote in The Sydney Morning Herald.

“I found it just so hard to talk to him after he tweaked it on Thursday, ruling him out of his Origin debut.

“Just looking at him, I was heartbroken. I was sitting at dinner on Thursday night and someone said, “you look tired”.

“I didn’t say anything, but that was probably why. He was on the verge of being in the NSW side five or six years ago, and then things didn’t turn out right with some injuries and a few rough years at the Cowboys.”

McLean was replaced by Newcastle prop Jacob Saifiti.