Andrew Johns believes if the Maroons are any chance of winning the State of Origin decider, one of their more experienced stars could be on the chopping block.
After taking the early lead in the series, Queensland were dealt a harsh reality check in game two, as the Blues forced a decider with an emphatic 38-18 victory at the MCG.
Latrell Mitchell and Angus Crichton were lethal on the left edge for NSW and due to their performances, Johns has raised question marks over Billy Slater’s line-up.
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“They have to make a change on the right edge,” he said on Wide World Of Sports’ Freddy and The Eighth.
“They can not have Valentine Holmes at right centre. I know they are all gonna blow up and say they’re not listening to NSW – but with Xavier Coates out, they have to put Valentine Holmes on the wing and put Cobbo at centre, without a doubt.
Valentine Holmes could be shuffled out of position for the Maroons. Getty
“Or they go for experience and someone who has been there before in Dane Gagai.
“Leading into game two, the narrative and the talk from NSW was that Latrell was in their heads. If he wasn’t in their heads, he is now – they just have to make a change.
“They just couldn’t handle it.”
Holmes missed nine tackles in a tough night at the office, while his inside man Daly Cherry-Evans missed six as the left-side attack of the Blues ran rampant.
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Queensland will be forced into at least one change for the decider with Coates sidelined due to a hamstring injury, likely opening the door for Cobbo’s return.
David Fifita is the other big name who could earn a recall after a strong run of form at club level for the Gold Coast Titans.
Slater will reveal his side on Monday morning for the must-win clash in Brisbane.