Revealed: Blues name Origin debutant, star dropped as Latrell ...

7 Jul 2024

Fox Sports

Blues coach Michael Maguire has made two changes to the team that defeated the Maroons at the MCG in Game II, with a Warriors star to make his State of Origin debut.

In somewhat of a selection shock, Mitch Barnett has been named on the bench for Game III, with Manly star Haumole Olakau’atu dropped after limited action in Games I and II.

Barnett was in the squad for the first two matches and was 18th man in the Blues’ Game II win.

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Meanwhile, Knights star Bradman Best has won the battle for the vacant centre spot following Latrell Mitchell’s injury.

Best was the favourite to win the job when news dropped that Mitchell would miss the decider with a foot injury, but did face stiff competition from Matt Burton, Joseph Sua’ali’i and the returning Tom Trbojevic.

However, Best got through Newcastle’s win over Canberra on Sunday afternoon unscathed, sealing his return to the Origin arena.

Best made his Origin debut in Game III, 2023, starring in a New South Wales win which thwarted a Maroons clean sweep.

Now, he’ll be asked to do a job in a decider with much more on the line. Interestingly, he could be matched up against Knights teammate Dane Gagai, who is tipped to win a recall for the Maroons.

Maguire will likely finalise the entire 20-man squad by midday tomorrow.

NSW TEAM FOR GAME III

1. Dylan Edwards

2. Brian To’o

3. Bradman Best

4. Stephen Crichton

5. Zac Lomax

6. Jarome Luai

7. Mitchell Moses

8. Jake Trbojevic

9. Reece Robson

10. Payne Haas