The 31-year-old Gallen, who has led the Blues since 2011, failed a fitness test in his battle to recover from a foot injury sustained in the defeat in game two in Brisbane.
“Gal is quite distressed he can’t be there,” Blues coach Laurie Daley said. “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 he’s not going to be right. It is a loss.”
Wests Tigers skipper Farah takes over the captaincy as New South Wales seek a first series victory since 2005 while team-mate Aaron Woods takes Gallen’s place in the front row.
In a knock-on effect, Sydney Roosters back-rower Boyd Cordner is set to make his Origin debut after being promoted to the 17-man squad.
Cordner, 21, was on stand-by for Greg Bird in case the former Catalan Dragons skipper failed to shake off an ankle injury but will now displace Josh Reynolds on the bench as the Blues opt for an extra forward.
Reynolds will return to Canterbury and play against Melbourne on Sunday before returning to act as 18th man.
It was not all bad news for NSW, with Bird coming through unscathed from his first training session of the week.
Rugby League - Farah to skipper New South Wales
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