Brad Parnham to replace Oliver in Origin

Brad Parnham will replace the suspended Damien Oliver for Western Australia in the final State of Origin jockeys’ series heats on Saturday.

Oliver was to be the star of the Gold Coast meeting on Saturday which will have two heats of the State of Origin series.

But he was suspended at Moonee Valley on Saturday and under Victorian rules he can’t ride on a stay.

Western Australia is equal third on 17 points and 16 points behind leaders NSW on 33.

But with 32 points on offer at the Gold Coast it is a case of all states still being in with a chance.

Perth-based Parnham made the most of his one ride in the State of Origin series at Doomben two weeks ago to ride a winner.

He is keen to ride on the east coast and sees his late call-up as a another chance to impress.

“I have been looking at riding on the east coast more often this year and it will be my first time at the Gold Coast,” Parnham said.

Parnham’s younger brother Chris, who has been riding in Victoria, will also return for the Gold Coast meeting.

POINTS AFTER TWO ROUNDS: NSW (33), New Zealand (22), South Australia (17), West Australia (17) Queensland (13) and Victoria (8).