State of Origin Game III, the men’s series decider, is finally here. The NSW Blues will take on the Queensland Maroons on Wednesday 17 July at 8:05pm at Suncorp Stadium (Lang Park), in Brisbane.
Significance of Suncorp Stadium
Queensland have a formidable record at home. In the history of the men’s State of Origin, there have been 13 deciders played at Suncorp Stadium and Queensland has won 11 of them (The Blues won in 1994 and 2005).
Recent History
Queensland is seeking a third straight series win in State of Origin. Since player-turned-coach Billy Slater has been in charge, the Maroons have not lost a series. This year’s decider looks to be his biggest test after the Blues dominated Game II 38-18 on neutral turf in Melbourne.
NSW changes
Blues coach Michael Maguire, coaching the team for the first time this year, has only made two changes to the side that played Game II. Newcastle Knights centre Bradman Best will replace Latrell Mitchell due to injury and NZ Warriors forward Mitch Barnett will sit on the bench in place of Haumole Olakau’atu. Best will play in his second-ever Origin match after he debuted for the Blues in Game III last year and scored two tries. It is Barnett’s first inclusion in the NSW side. You may remember him as the player who missed the birth of his son to attend the Blues training camp before Game I.
Queensland changes
Billy Slater has replaced injured players Xavier Coates and Murray Taulagi with Origin veteran Dane Gagai and Selwyn Cobbo, who had a strong impact off the bench in Game I but was rested for Game II. The return of Kalyn Ponga from a foot injury will also bolster the Maroons. Ponga was the 2023 Dally M Medallist and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting players in the game. The final selection change sees back-rower Kurt Capewell starting and Jaydn Su’A excluded from the team.
How to watch
Kick-off is at 8:05pm on Wednesday 17 July. You can watch the game on Nine, Foxtel or Kayo
