State of Origin confirmed team lists: NSW and QLD lineups for Game 3
The deciding game of the 2024 State of Origin series will see NSW and Queensland head to the cauldron of Lang Park for what is set to be an epic battle.
The first two games of the series were blowouts either way, with Queensland winning in Sydney after Joseph Sual'i'ii was sent off after eight minutes, before NSW got revenge with a dominant first-half laying the platform for a big win in Game 2.
Both sides have injury concerns heading into this one, giving Michael Maguire and Billy Slater much to think about when selecting their teams.
Take a look at the team lists for Game 3 of the 2024 State of Origin series below:
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2. Brian To’o
3. Bradman Best
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Zac Lomax
6. Jarome Luai
7. Mitch Moses
8. Jake Trbojevic
9. Reece Robson
10. Payne Haas
11. Liam Martin
12. Angus Crichton
13. Cameron Murray
14. Connor Watson
15. Isaah Yeo
16. Mitch Barnett
17. Spencer Leniu
Michael Maguire was always set to have a nervous wait across the weekend to see if his stars remained injury and suspension free.
The coach was likely to name an unchanged side for the decider at Suncorp Stadium after they produced a stellar display in Game II.
However, these plans were thrown into doubt on Saturday morning after news emerged of an injury to Latrell Mitchell.
With the South Sydney star ruled out due to a foot issue, there were a host of contenders who are vying for the centre spot, including Tom Trbojevic and Joseph Sual'i'ii.
Knights centre Bradman Best won the battle to replace Mitchell, returning to the side after his debut in Game 3 last year.
The only other change to the side see's New Zealand's Mitch Barnett added to the interchange bench for his Origin debut, with Manly's Haumole Olakau’atu the unlucky man to drop out.
Queensland Maroons predicted team list for State of Origin Game 31. Reece Walsh
2. Valentine Holmes
3. Selwyn Cobbo
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Dane Gagai
6. Tom Dearden
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Reuben Cotter
9. Ben Hunt
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Jaydn Su'A
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Harry Grant
15. Moeaki Fotuaika
16. Felise Kaufusi
17. David Fifita
Slater has plenty to ponder after the horror show at the MCG with questions around whether he will stick solid or make some changes for Game III.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow suffered a shoulder injury during the 38-18 loss but eventually returned to the fray in the second half to bag a four-pointer. The Dolphins star is expected to be fine for the decider.
It's not such good news for Xavier Coates after the flyer suffered a hamstring injury in Round 17.
Selwyn Cobbo is likely to earn a recall with Coates ruled out, while Dane Gagai could also be in the mix after being named as 18th man in Game II.
J'maine Hopgood and Cobbo dropped out for the second game of the series. The Parramatta lock has since been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Felise Kaufusi and Kurt Capewell replaced the duo in Melbourne, but failed to make their mark and may face a fight to keep their spot on the pine with David Fifita lurking.
Harry Grant has missed the past two matches for Melbourne since Origin II and is in some doubt. If the Storm skipper is ruled out, the returning Kalyn Ponga could grab a surprise spot on the bench.
Murray Taulagi was ruled out of Game 3 with a hamstring injury, with Dane Gagai the main candidate to replace him.
