AS MUCH as David Klemmer is jumping out of his skin at the chance to represent NSW on Wednesday week, he’s also hurting for his best mate.

His Bulldogs bash brother Aaron Woods is one of 11 players to have been left out of the team that lost Origin III to Queensland last year.

The others are Brett Morris (retired from representative football), Josh Dugan, Jarryd Hayne, Blake Ferguson, Mitchell Pearce, Nathan Peats, Andrew Fifita, Josh Jackson, Wade Graham, and Jack Bird.

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Granted a couple of those are injured and unavailable for selection, but coach Brad Fittler is ringing in a new era for the Blues.

He’s been ruthless in cutting the likes of Woods, Jackson, Dugan, and Graham.

But there was a cruel irony in the way Woods found out he wouldn’t be in the side for game one.

He was with his best mate Klemmer after the Canterbury game on Sunday when the bald enforcer received a phone call.

Klemmer was in. Woods was obviously out.

Woods’ form for the Bulldogs was judged not good enough to retain his place in the side, ending a streak of 14 straight Origin games for the state.

“We were together when it happened. He’ll be all right, he’s just got to get back to where he’s at and playing good footy for the Bulldogs,” Klemmer told foxsports.com.au.

“I’ve talked to him briefly about it. Obviously he’s disappointed.

“But he’s a footballer, he’s got to get back to where he’s at. I thought he was going all right. He’s a world class footballer, he’s someone who I look up to.”

Woods, clearly, was devastated to learn he was not considered worthy of a Blues jumper this time around.

It was another blow for the veteran forward, who has seen his name linked to a premature Bulldogs exit in recent weeks. Understandably, he’s a little down.

But his class came through in the way he looked past his own heartache to congratulate old friends on their selections.

He was quick to message former Wests Tigers teammate James Tedesco after hearing he had been named in the side.

“He messaged me and said congratulations. I said I’m spewing he’s not here because I’m sort of used to him, hanging around him,” Tedesco said.

“I came into my first camp and he took me under his wing. I can’t thank him enough for what he did, made me feel comfortable in this environment.

“To not have him here is a bit different.

“I know he’s going through some tough times with the Dogs at the moment but he’s a quality player and I’m sure he will find his feet soon.”

Woods was a groomsman at Klemmer’s wedding last year. They are thick as thieves, and usually room together in Origin camp.

Now Klemmer has been paired with Woods’ replacement, Penrith wrecking ball Reagan Campbell-Gillard.

And while Klemmer is sad not to have his close friend alongside him anymore, he’s excited about the new breed of Blues players.

And a forward pack book ended by Klemmer and Reagan Campbell-Gillard should be enough to frighten any Queenslander.