State of Origin 2026: Blues and Maroons lineups for Game III decider in Brisbane

After narrowly winning the opening game of the 2026 State of Origin series in Sydney, the NSW Blues were embarrassed by Queensland in a second-half Game II onslaught at the MCG.

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With the ledger now squared 1-1 heading into the Suncorp Stadium decider on July 8, both sides have everything to play for.

Laurie Daley’s official NSW squad is set to be announced, while Billy Slater is expected to name his Maroons squad on Monday morning.

Who will raise the trophy, Queensland or NSW?

NSW Blues Predicted Squad: State of Origin Game III

1. James Tedesco
2. Brian To’o 
3. Tolu Koula
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Mark Nawaqanitawase
6. Ethan Strange
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Payne Haas
9. Reece Robson
10. Addin Fonua-Blake
11. Hudson Young
12. Haumole Olakau’atu
13. Cameron Murray

14. Isaah Yeo
15. Api Koroisau
16. Mitch Barnett
17. Liam Martin
18. Victor Radley
19. Jack Bostock

James Tedesco was far from his best in Game II, but it’s hard to see Laurie Daley dropping him now while Mark Nawaqanitawase picked up a try double on debut and will likely hold his place on the other wing despite having a tough night in defence against an inspired Selwyn Cobbo.

The NSW centre pairing for Game III has been cause for plenty of discussion with Kotoni Staggs set to lose his spot after a poor night in Melbourne. Latrell Mitchell was almost certain of a recall until he injured his calf at Rabbitohs’ training, paving the way for Stephen Crichton to return after missing Game II. Bradman Best and Tom Trbojevic provide other options.

Another massive NSW call is the halves. After three weeks of hype the much vaunted pairing of Mitchell Moses and Ivan Cleary failed to deliver in Game II and Ethan Strange is a real chance to come back into the No.6 jersey — even more so given Moses’ poor defensive showing against the Rabbitohs in Round 17.

He may not have been selected anyway, but Dolphins’ skipper Isaiya Katoa is out of the running for a bench spot after fracturing his left wrist against the Warriors. 

In the forwards Cam Murray will almost certainly start at lock, while Daley must reinstate Haumole Olakau’atu into the second row with Dylan Lucas possibly missing out altogether.

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There had been talk Mitch Barnett could be dropped for his Warriors teammate Jackson Ford who many thought should have been in the Blues squad all series, however Ford picked up a pectoral injury against the Cowboys and is out of contention.

With everything to play for, big game experience could also see Liam Martin come into the Blues lineup for the decider.

Reece Robson will likely wear the No.9 once again, but surely not for the full 80 minutes this time?

Queensland Maroons Predicted Squad: State of Origin Game III

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Robert Toia
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Jojo Fifita
6. Cameron Munster (c)
7. Sam Walker
8. Tom Flegler
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Briton Nikora
12. Kurt Capewell 
13. Reuben Cotter

14. Max Plath
15. Lindsay Collins*
16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
17. Trent Loiero
18. Reece Walsh
19. Murray Tualagi

Billy Slater stuck with Kalyn Ponga despite his costly second-half send off in Game I and there’s no reason to change things now. That means Reece Walsh will likely again be on the reserves bench to provide backline cover if required. There was an outside chance his spot could have gone to Tom Dearden, however that’s highly unlikely now given the Cowboys skipper missed the win over Penrith and hasn’t played since Round 10.

Winger Jojo Fifita has been a revelation so far in the series and will rightly hold his place ahead of Murray Tualagi while Selwyn Cobbo played arguably his best game for the Maroons in Game II with a hat-trick of tries and a try assist.

Halfback Sam Walker continues to impress and is on track to be player of the series if he can continue his sublime form in Game III. 

In the forwards Pat Carrigan remains sidelined with an ankle injury, while Lindsay Collins suffered a concussion in NRL Round 17 against Brisbane and could be in some doubt as a result. Jeremiah Nanai could be a chance of earning an Origin recall after a stirring performance in the Cowboys’ Round 17 win over the Panthers — but who does Billy Slater leave out?

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State of Origin 2026: Match Schedule