Queensland champions Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai have been recalled to a new look Maroons team after coach Billy Slater was forced into some major changes due to injury.
Ponga has been named on the bench in a role similar to that played by Selwyn Cobbo in Origin I, while Gagai will start in the centres.
The pair were called up due to a backline reshuffle triggered by injuries to Queensland’s starting wingers in the opening two games, Xavier Coates and Murray Taulagi who have both been sidelined by hamstring injuries.
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Coates and Taulagi’s misfortune opened the door for Cobbo’s recall, with the Broncos ace nabbing one of the vacant wing positions, while Valentine Holmes, who was under pressure to hold his position after a torrid game two in which he was carved up by Latrell Mitchell, was given a reprieve and moved to the other wing.
Gagai is the other change to the Maroons’ starting backline, with the Knights veteran called up for his 23rd Origin game at the age of 33.
Harry Grant has also been named to play his customary Origin role off the bench despite carrying a sternum injury that has sidelined him in recent weeks – with he and Ponga’s presence on the four man interchange squeezing space for the big men, with Slater relying on Moeaki Fotuaika and Felise Kaufusi as cover for his starting front and back rowers.
Kurt Capewell was retained in the side despite criticism over his performance in Origin II, with the Warriors veteran starting alongside Jeremiah Nanai in the back row.
Ben Hunt will play his 20th Origin match after retaining the No.9 jersey for the decider at Suncorp Stadium.
MORE TO FOLLOW…
Maroons team for Origin III
1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Dane Gagai 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 5. Valentine Holmes 6. Tom Dearden 7. Daly Cherry-Evans 8. Reuben Cotter 9. Ben Hunt 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Harry Grant 15. Moeaki Fotuaika 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Kalyn Ponga. Reserves: 18. Trent Loiero 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Reed Mahoney