A look at the side Queensland will roll out for Wednesday's decisive State of Origin III against NSW in Brisbane.
HOW QUEENSLAND SHAPE UP FOR STATE OF ORIGIN III:
Fullback - Kalyn Ponga
Age: 24
Origins: 6
Tries: 0
Concussion in Perth's game two has kept him off the park since. Some good early touches in that game but will need to be firing if the Maroons are to win.
Winger - Selwyn Cobbo
Age: 20
Origins: 2
Tries: 0
Was trapped at the wrong end of the field for most of game two. Has stepped up in the big moments for Brisbane this season at Suncorp Stadium and Billy Slater will be hoping he can do that in a Maroons jersey.
Centre - Valentine Holmes
Age: 27
Origins: 12
Tries: 10
Continues to deliver for the Maroons and could be the one to break the game open for them. Designated goalkicker whose boot could be crucial if the match goes down to the wire.
Centre - Dane Gagai
Age: 31
Origins: 21
Tries: 12
His performance in Perth had his Maroons future under the microscope but there is no player who loves the sense of occasion more than Gagai.
Winger - Corey Oates
Age: 27
Origins: 8
Tries: 3
A late recall for the first time since 2019 after Murray Taulagi was ruled out with COVID-19. Has 14 tries for Brisbane this season and will look to carry that form into game three.
Five-eighth - Tom Dearden
Age: 21
Origins: 0
Tries: 0
A debutant filling the boots of the absent Cameron Munster (COVID-19). Has been a standout at club level with North Queensland and could also play at hooker or off the bench with Ben Hunt a chance to spend time in the halves.
Halfback - Daly Cherry-Evans (captain)
Age: 33
Origins: 18
Tries: 2
With a rookie five-eighth alongside him the Maroons captain will shoulder a big chunk of the responsibility. Won't be afraid to take the NSW line on if he spots them lapsing.
Prop - Lindsay Collins
Age: 26
Origins: 5
Tries: 0
Didn't quite hit the heights from game one in game two but is happy to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the NSW pack.
Hooker - Ben Hunt
Age: 32
Origins: 13
Tries: 2
Takes the edge out of the opening stages to allow Harry Grant to come into the contest. Played for patches in Perth as an auxiliary lock and could be the difference maker.
Prop - Josh Papalii
Age: 30
Origins: 22
Tries: 3
The performances of Papalii have led to questions over his Origin future. Has yet to fire a shot in this series but the Canberra prop knows how to carry a team on his back.
Back-rower - Kurt Capewell
Age: 28
Origins: 8
Tries: 1
Versatile and dependable, the Brisbane back-rower will get through lots of the ugly stuff and his football intelligence means he's not afraid to chance his arm.
Back-rower - Jeremiah Nanai
Age: 19
Origins: 2
Tries: 0
Called in for Felise Kaufusi, Nanai will be severely tested by the NSW attack. Got stood up for one try in Perth and will need laser-like focus if he is to help the Maroons secure a win.
Lock - Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Age: 22
Origins: 8
Tries: 0
Never stops running and is always looking to eat up more metres or sneak an offload away. Will need to lead from the front if the Maroons are to get the result they want.
Interchange:
Harry Grant
Age: 24
Origins: 4
Tries: 1
Didn't enjoy the same dominance in game two but remains a threat whenever he comes onto the field. His run-first mentality out of hooker will keep the Blues on their toes.
Jai Arrow
Age: 26
Origins: 10
Tries: 0
A solid return to Queensland colours in Perth but there is more to come from Arrow.
Patrick Carrigan
Age: 24
Origins: 2
Tries: 0
One of the standouts in both games for the Maroons. Will be crucial when Slater makes his changes in increasing the tempo.
Tom Gilbert
Age: 21
Origins: 0
Tries: 0
A debutant who has impressed with North Queensland this year and will be obliged to supplement the hard work of Capewell and Nanai.
18th man:
Thomas Flegler
Age: 21
Origins: 1
Tries: 0
Will be the go-to man if the Maroons are hit by concussions on gameday. Has just one Origin game to his name but will revel in the atmosphere if he gets his chance.
