Queensland Maroons have recalled second-rower Jeremiah Nanai for the State of Origin decider, while New South Wales Blues have dropped star winger Brian To’o and three other players in a bid to level the series.
Nanai, known for his aerial ability, returns after missing the first two games due to a shoulder injury. He played only four club matches this season but produced a man-of-the-match performance for the Cowboys against Penrith on Saturday, scoring two tries in a 26-12 victory.
Maroons bring back Carrigan, lose Collins
Brisbane lock Pat Carrigan has also been recalled for the decider at Suncorp Stadium on 8 July after missing game two with an ankle injury. Carrigan has not played since 31 May but coach Billy Slater is confident he will be fit. Carrigan has been a regular in Maroons teams since Slater took over in 2022.
However, Queensland will be without Sydney Roosters prop Lindsay Collins, who failed an HIA in the club win over Brisbane on Friday night. The Maroons will field an unchanged backline from game two, maintaining the same starting one-to-seven throughout the series.
NSW makes four changes for do-or-die clash
NSW coach Laurie Daley has made significant changes, dropping To’o, Kotoni Staggs, Dylan Lucas, and Api Koroisau. To’o had played every Origin game since his debut in 2021 and won the Brad Fittler Medal as NSW’s best player in 2023 and 2025.
Jack Bostock will make his Origin debut on the wing, replacing To’o. The 22-year-old was on the extended bench for game two and has been instrumental in the Dolphins’ push for a top-four finals berth. Daley said, “Jack was a part of the 19 down there in Melbourne. He’s a big body, he’s an aerial threat, and he’s someone that we think will do well in game three.”
Daley added, “Biz [To’o] has been one of my personal favourites, and someone who has been a Brad Fittler medal winner. He’s given great service to New South Wales, and I’m sure he’ll be back, but just for this game, we just feel like we just needed to make that change.”
Other changes in Blues lineup
Stephen Crichton returns from a shoulder injury to replace Staggs in the centres. Liam Martin, a key figure in Penrith’s dynasty, comes in for Lucas after being overlooked for the first two games. Bradman Best will play in the centres for the first time since 2024, with Tolutau Koula moving to the interchange.
Haumole Olakau’atu has been promoted from 20th man to the bench after scoring two tries for Manly on Saturday, replacing Victor Radley. Blayke Brailey returns from a broken arm to replace Koroisau on the interchange. Daley retained halves Mitchell Moses and Nathan Cleary, with Ethan Strange on the bench. Cameron Murray remains on the interchange despite calls for him to start.
NSW’s hopes were dealt a blow when Latrell Mitchell was ruled out with a calf injury. The Blues can become only the second NSW team in 20 years to win a series at Suncorp Stadium in Origin III.
State of Origin Game 3 teams
Queensland: Kalyn Ponga, Selwyn Cobbo, Robert Toia, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jojo Fifita, Cameron Munster (c), Sam Walker, Thomas Flegler, Harry Grant, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Briton Nikora, Kurt Capewell, Reuben Cotter, Max Plath, Pat Carrigan, Jeremiah Nanai, Trent Loiero, Reece Walsh, Murray Taulagi, Corey Horsburgh.
New South Wales: James Tedesco, Jack Bostock, Bradman Best, Stephen Crichton, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Mitchell Moses, Nathan Cleary, Payne Haas, Reece Robson, Mitchell Barnett, Hudson Young, Liam Martin, Isaah Yeo (c), Cameron Murray, Addin Fonua-Blake, Haumole Olakau’atu, Blayke Braley, Ethan Strange, Tolutau Koula, Victor Radley.
