HOW QUEENSLAND SHAPE UP FOR ORIGIN III
Fullback – Cameron Munster (age 24)
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 0
A frustrated fullback despite playing his entire Origin career in the halves, the Melbourne star finally gets the chance to shine at No.1 in the decider after replacing injured X-factor Kalyn Ponga.
Winger – Corey Oates (age 24)
Origins: 7
Tries: 3
The lanky flyer may be out of sorts for battling NRL club Brisbane but few would deny his strike power at Origin level. Great in the air and even better finisher.
Centre – Michael Morgan (age 27)
Origins: 11
Tries: 1
Battling concussion from a last round NRL knock, Morgan was in consideration to fill the five-eighth role in a reshuffled Maroons backline. Kept at three-quarter but still a major threat with a dangerous kicking and running game.
Centre – Will Chambers (age 31)
Origins: 12
Tries: 4
The only Maroons player to register a four pointer in their 38-6 game two thumping – and that was from a penalty try. Still, the veteran will be backing himself to finish the series strong after overcoming his 2018 nemesis Latrell Mitchell in game one.
Winger – Dane Gagai (age 28)
Origins: 12
Tries: 11
Gagai finally had his try scoring run snapped in the game two rout by NSW in Perth. Lacked impact but was not alone in a horror Maroons display. Will be keen to remind everyone of his try-scoring exploits as Queensland look to seal a 12th series win in 14 years.
Five-eighth – Corey Norman (age 28)
Origins: 0
Tries: 0
The former bad boy finally gets to make an Origin debut in his 10th NRL season. A big match player, Norman may be an Origin rookie but appears completely unfazed by the occasion. Set to step up.
Halfback – Daly Cherry-Evans (captain, age 30)
Origins: 9
Tries: 1
All eyes will be on Cherry-Evans to see how he inspires his side after their game two thumping in Perth. The on-field general will be desperate to marshal his troops and deliver an Origin series win on debut as Queensland captain.
Prop – Joe Ofahengaue (age 23)
Origins: 1
Tries: 0
The Brisbane prop is out to make mince meat of the NSW pack after missing game two with a knee gash suffered in the series opener that looked like a “chewed up steak”.
Hooker – Ben Hunt (age 29)
Origins: 6
Tries: 0
For a halfback, the St George Illawarra playmaker sure makes a good hooker. Hunt was one of the few to hold his head high after game two and will be out to ensure the spine clicks in the decider.
Prop – Josh Papalii (age 27)
Origins: 14
Tries: 1
Will need to respond after the Maroons pack was dominated in game two, resulting in front row partner Dylan Napa and reserve forward Jarrod Wallace copping the axe.
Back-rower – Felise Kaufusi (age 27)
Origins: 5
Tries: 0
Didn’t pull off any of his trademark line runs in game two but was still the only forward in Perth to run more than 100m.
Back-rower – Matt Gillett (age 30)
Origins: 20
Tries: 2
The veteran backrower will remember his landmark 20th Origin for all the wrong reasons after the nightmare in Perth. Still, the solid workhorse looms as a key to Queensland reversing their fortunes in the decider. Devastating defender.
Lock – Josh McGuire (age 29)
Origins: 13
Tries: 0
Dismissed as a “human grub” after being suspended for his late hit on NSW half James Maloney in game two, the maligned McGuire will hope to rebound with an inspirational performance in game three.
Interchange:
Moses Mbye (age 25)
Origins: 2
Tries: 0
At one stage considered a starting chance at fullback, Mbye is set to revel in his role as bench utility after recovering from an almost fatal allergic reaction ahead of game two.
Christian Welch (age 24)
Origins: 0
Tries: 0
The Maroons’ feel good story. Thought his year was over in May when misdiagnosed with a season-ending knee injury, now the Melbourne prop is set to make an impact on Origin debut.
Tim Glasby (age 30)
Origins: 4
Tries: 0
Rock solid and no frills, Glasby’s no-nonsense approach makes him an ideal Origin bench forward. One of coach Kevin Walters’ favourites.
David Fifita (age 19)
Origins: 2
Tries: 0
Appeared to be found out in game two but coach Walters will be counting on the big-hitting teenager to bounce back in the decider.
