3 minute read
How Queensland shape up for Origin III in Brisbane.
HOW QUEENSLAND SHAPE UP FOR ORIGIN III
Fullback - Corey Allan
Age: 22
Origins: 0
Tries: 0
Has played just 29 NRL games. Will play fullback in a late swap with Valentine Holmes for the decider in Brisbane. Was dangerous for South Sydney under coach Wayne Bennett in 2020.
Winger - Edrick Lee
Age: 28
Origins: 0
Tries: 0
A late inclusion on Tuesday to become the Maroons' fourth debutant in their lineup for the decider and 14th overall for the series with Xavier Coates ruled out with a leg injury.
Centre - Brenko Lee
Age: 25
Origins: 0
Tries: 0
After missing out on his debut in Origin one due to a calf strain, Lee gets his chance in the decider. Queensland appearance caps a huge year for the Melbourne premiership player.
Centre - Dane Gagai
Age: 29
Origins: 15
Tries: 11
Keeps delivering for his state, scoring a try in Adelaide and handing Coates the game-opening try in Sydney. Will be hoping to outpoint Dally M Medallist Jack Wighton once more.
Winger - Valentine Holmes
Age: 25
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 8
Back on the wing after playing Origin II at fullback. Will be charged with nullifying the threat of opposite number Josh Addo-Carr.
Five-eighth - Cameron Munster
Age: 26
Origins: 9
Tries: 1
Played just two minutes of Game II in Sydney after he was ruled out with concussion. If he plays, the Melbourne star will be a huge addition for the Maroons.
Halfback - Daly Cherry-Evans (captain)
Age: 31
Origins: 12
Tries: 1
After a man-of-the-match performance in Adelaide, the skipper was kept quiet in Sydney as NSW rolled through the middle. Will need more from his forward pack in the decider.
Prop - Christian Welch
Age: 26
Origins: 2
Tries: 0
Missed Origin II after copping a head knock in the series opener and his presence will be felt up front for the Maroons in Brisbane.
Hooker - Jake Friend
Age: 30
Origins: 2
Tries: 0
Hasn't let anyone down in his maiden Origin campaign and will once again be asked to provide plenty of work through the middle both in attack and defence.
Prop - Josh Papalii
Age: 28
Origins: 17
Tries: 2
The Raiders enforcer took responsibility for the loss in Game II, saying he needed to be better in the middle for the Maroons.
Back-rower - Felise Kaufusi
Age: 28
Origins: 8
Tries: 1
Did plenty of work in defence in Game II but was quiet with the ball when the Maroons had possession.
Back-rower - Kurt Capewell
Age: 27
Origins: 2
Tries: 0
One of the players of the game in Adelaide and a solid pick in the centres for Queensland but will move to his more familiar second row position for game three.
Lock - Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Age: 20
Origins: 2
Tries: 0
Showed plenty of passion for the Maroons jersey when he went toe to toe with NSW big man Payne Haas in Sydney. The aggression was needed, but getting sin binned was not.
Interchange:
Harry Grant
Age: 22
Origins: 0
Tries: 0
After claiming the Dally M rookie of the year award, the young Wests Tigers hooker will be a danger from the bench around tired forwards.
Lindsay Collins
Age: 24
Origins: 2
Tries: 0
Has produced plenty of punch off the bench on his debut Origin series and will be expected to deliver the same in the decider.
Jai Arrow
Age: 25
Origins: 6
Tries: 0
Bent the Blues' defensive line with several hit-ups in his stint off the bench. Provides much-needed experience among the finishers.
Jaydn Su'A
Age: 23
Origins: 2
Tries: 0
Has been dangerous on the edge with an offload and late footwork and will need to be at his best again if Queensland are to claim the series.
