Chloe Schibeci previews the 2019 State of Origin decider.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
New South Wales Blues
The Blues were dominant in the second game of the series, making the third game a decider. NSW won 38 points to 6 at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
Queensland Maroons
After their 32-point loss, the Queensland Maroons will be looking for redemption and a series win in the third and final game of the 2019 Origin series.
SQUAD NEWS
New South Wales Blues
The NSW Blues’ line-up for the decider is almost identical to their Perth victory a few weeks ago. A few changes have been made as a result of injuries and suspensions. Mitchell Pearce has been named in the halves to replace the injured Nathan Cleary, while David Klemmer steps in for a suspended Tariq Sims.
New South Wales Blues’ Squad: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Blake Ferguson, 3. Tom Trbojevic, 4. Jack Wighton, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. James Maloney, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. Daniel Saifiti, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Paul Vaughan, 11. Boyd Cordner, 12. Tyson Frizell, 13. Jake Trbojevic, 14. Dale Finucane, 15. David Klemmer, 16. Cameron Murray, 17. Wade Graham.
Queensland Maroons
Corey Norman and Christian Welch make their debut for the Queensland Maroons. Kalyn Ponga has been ruled out due to a calf injury, while Jarrod Wallace and Dylan Napa were dropped from the side.
Queensland Maroons’ Squad: 1. Cameron Munster, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Michael Morgan, 4. Will Chambers, 5. Dane Gagai, 6. Corey Norman, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Joe Ofahengaue, 9. Ben Hunt, 10. Josh Papalii, 11. Felise Kaufusi, 12. Matt Gillett, 13. Josh McGuire, 14. Moses Mbye, 15. Christian Welch, 16. Tim Glasby, 17. David Fifita.
HEAD TO HEAD
Both New South Wales and Queensland have won a game this series, making the third and final match a decider at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.
Queensland won the first game at Suncorp Stadium, while the Blues were victorious in game two. The third game will be interesting, with both teams desperate for the win. The Maroons will be looking for redemption while the Blues are looking to continue their momentum.
KEY BATTLE
An important battle could be between the halves partnerships. Corey Norman will join Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves, meanwhile Mitchell Pearce will join former teammate James Maloney in the halves for the Blues. These will be key partnerships for their respective sides and could be a defining factor next Wednesday night.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, July 10
Venue: ANZ Stadium
Kick-off: 8:10 PM
Referee: Gerard Sutton, Ashley Klein
WHO WILL WIN?
The Blues will be looking to continue their winning momentum, while the Maroons will be looking for redemption and a series victory. It will most likely be a close game, however the Blues look most likely to come out on top.
Blues by four.
