Queensland and New South Wales have confirmed their respective teams for 2015 State of Origin Game 3, to be contested at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday, July 8th at 8:00pm.
With both teams having posted a win each from the series’ first two games, State of Origin Game 3 is set to be an absolute blockbuster as the Blues look to secure a second-consecutive series win and the Maroons attempt to win back the shield for the ninth time in ten years.
Queensland
Queensland began the 2015 State of Origin Series in the best way possible; clawing back a half-time deficit to take out Game 1 in a thrilling 11-10 encounter, sealed by a 74th minute Cooper Cronk field goal.
Losing the services of Cronk through injury for Game 2, the Maroons clearly lacked the general direction and troop marshalling the Melbourne Storm halfback brings to the fold and were unable to withhold the big, mobile Blues side; slipping to an 18-26 loss.
Many blamed Daly Cherry-Evans’ lack of creativity for Queensland’s defeat in Game 2, and it seems that Coach Mal Meninga and the Maroons’ selection panel have agreed to a certain degree with the Manly number 7 figuring as the major omission from their squad for Game 3.
Billy Slater elected to have season-ending surgery following the Maroons’ Game 2 loss and a major shuffle in positions in the team’s backline has occurred as a result.
As expected, centre Greg Inglis drops back to fullback and winger Will Chambers moves into the middle, while Newcastle Knights danger man Dane Gagai has been confirmed to make his Origin debut on the wing.
Bench impact player Josh McGuire also suffered a season-ending Achilles injury for club side Brisbane last week; paving the way for Raiders enforcer Josh Papalii to make his representative return.
Queensland Maroons State of Origin Game 3 Team
- Greg Inglis
- Darius Boyd
- Will Chambers
- Justin Hodges
- Dane Gagai
- Johnathan Thurston
- Cooper Cronk
- Matt Scott
- Cameron Smith (c)
- Nate Myles
- Aidan Guerra
- Sam Thaiday
- Corey Parker
- Michael Morgan
- Josh Papalii
- Matt Gillett
- Jacob Lillyman
New South Wales
The Blues appeared to have the edge over the Maroons when charging out to a comfortable lead at halftime in Game 1 but were comfortably reeled-in by the experienced Queensland side in the second half to suffer a demoralising defeat.
Having been without the services of inspirational captain Paul Gallen in Game 1, the lock’s return to the fold in Game 2 clearly sparked the team’s big pack into life and, with the exception of perhaps a ten minute period in the second half, looked the better team all game.
Without hesitation, Coach Laurie Daley and the Blues selection panel have held firm with their team from Game 2 and named the same 1-17.
Hooker Robbie Farah fractured his hand in Wests Tigers’ loss to the Panthers over the weekend but the key forward will be given every chance to prove his fitness before Wednesday week’s decider. The Sharks’ Michael Ennis and the Dragons’ Mitch Rein are considered the leading contenders to replace Farah, should he succumb to injury.
New South Wales Blues State of Origin Game 3 Team
- Josh Dugan
- Will Hopoate
- Michael Jennings
- Josh Morris
- Brett Morris
- Mitchell Pearce
- Trent Hodkinson
- Aaron Wood
- Robbie Farah
- James Tamou
- Beau Scott
- Ryan Hoffman
- Paul Gallen (c)
- Trent Merrin
- Boyd Cordner
- David Klemmer
- Josh Jackson
Largely as a result of their impressive record at home, we’re currently offering the Maroons as outright $1.65 favourites to beat the Blues in State of Origin Game 3, who are more than worth consideration at a quote of $2.25 for success.